I had a very valuable trip to North Korea recently, which reminded me China in early 70th. 

Politically, people do not have the right to freely move. Very few people traveled overseas. Even if some of them did, the countries they visited are China, Cuba and former Soviet Union. They can not freely go from one place to the next. The country is poor. However, the Kim's statures are very huge and new. Everybody wears their Chairman's badge. Every family has their Chairman's big picture on the wall. They do not have the access to understand what is going on outside. The few TV program is only their TV programs, no mobile, no email systems. No commercial advertisements anyway, but political slogans,such as long live Kims'thoughts, are everywhere. When I told them I was in South Korea, they gathered and asked me which is better, North or South, and if South Koreans are willing to come back.....

Economically, they do not have much. The hotel we stayed is the best hotel, which likes a three star hotel in Beijing. One small and dry apple is three yuan, which is 50 to 60 their money. People's salary is several thousands. Most people wear dark color clothes. Their clothes are supplied by the government. For example, a student can get one winter dress and one summer dress every another year. Workers and farmers can get one winter and one summer dress each year. They provided the best food to us. The utensils are silver. However, the food was not that tasty....

However, the country is very beautiful and with little pollution. The water is clean and the air is clear.... If you have need to know more, please feel free to ask me....

 Regards,

Susan Guo, Partner

E-mail: sguo@incorp.com.cn