North Korean economic reform
# North Korean economic reform

The North Korean economic reform refers to the program of reform and restructuring of the North Korean economy. Economic reforms have been increasing in the last years, particularly after Kim Jong Un came to power in 2012.

## History

Economic reforms in North Korea has its roots to the 1970s, when North Korean government agencies, provincial governments and military units were unofficially granted permission to establish their own companies. Number of such companies have increased dramatically since the 2000s.

## Economic impact

North Korea's economic growth under Kim Jong Un is estimated to be ranging from 1 percent to 5 percent. North Korea expert Andrei Lankov has said that North Korea's real growth rate is 3–4%.

## Foreign encouragement

Economic reforms in North Korea has been encouraged by China. While visiting Pyongyang in June 2019, Chinese paramount leader Xi Jinping said that Kim Jong Un had “initiated a new strategic line of economic development and improving people’s livelihoods, raising socialist construction in the country to a new high tide.”

