You cannot even say this sounds like a good idea at the time. A Chinese entrepreneur wants to open a new shopping centre, in the heart of downtown Pyongyang. Zeng Changbiao is goign to sink 50 million yuan into a 5 story building with the inevitable 9 story office tower attached. As to who will fill the damn thing, its shelves (will be) stocked with goods that have been nearly impossible to obtain in impversished Noth Korea for decades. "We will mainly bring in light industry products like toothpaste, toothbrushes, towels, small tools and electric household appliances, clothes, shoes and caps," Zeng said. It's comforting to know North Koreans have got by without these things until now.

Of course there's a slight problem. Even our hero Zeng comments Their (his new employees) wages are very low, only 70 or 80 yuan (US$10) per month. So his staff won't be able to afford any of the products they sell. It's a surefire way to lose money quickly. Even better "The prices of the goods will be five times higher than in China, so our profits should be quite high." Zeng said.

I'll be reporting on North Korea's first official bankruptcy in a few months.