North Korea has taken a significant step by allowing foreigners to enter the country for the first time since it closed its borders due to the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020. This move comes as the country seeks to uplift its struggling economy, which has been heavily impacted by international sanctions.
According to a report by China's state broadcaster CCTV, North Korea announced that it would permit the entry of foreigners starting from Monday. However, visitors will be required to undergo a two-day quarantine upon arrival. Notably, there hasn't been any official confirmation or report from North Korea's state media regarding this decision.
Over the past few months, North Korea has been gradually relaxing its strict border controls. In July, the regime allowed high-level delegations from China and Russia to visit, and in August, it sent commercial aircraft to Beijing and Vladivostok to repatriate stranded diplomats, students, and workers. These steps indicate a cautious opening of borders, potentially aimed at reviving tourism, which was previously a crucial source of foreign currency for the cash-strapped nation.
The closure of borders had a severe impact on North Korea's economy, leading to a contraction that left it smaller than when Kim Jong Un assumed power over a decade ago, as estimated by the Bank of Korea. The country's economy heavily relies on trade with China, which is heavily sanctioned. However, the resumption of trade with China has led Fitch Solutions to suggest that North Korea's economy has returned to growth after two years of contraction, although significant uncertainties still prevail.
Interestingly, while North Korea is taking steps to revive its economy, it has refused vaccine aid from the outside world. This decision increases the risk of the country's fragile healthcare system being overwhelmed if a major outbreak occurs. The combination of international sanctions, closed borders, and lacking access to vaccines puts North Korea in a precarious situation, where economic recovery remains challenging amidst the ongoing pandemic.
Overall, North Korea's decision to allow foreigners to enter the country marks a significant development in its efforts to revive its economy and generate much-needed revenue. However, the long-term impact and success of these measures remain uncertain, considering the country's ongoing challenges and isolation from the international community.