The first China-DPRK Economic, Cultural and Tourism Expo that will be held this October is expected to attract over 5,000 merchants and more than 500 exhibitors bringing in thousands of products in 22 categories. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Dandong will promote itself as the trade distribution center to the DPRK.

Dandong enjoys an incomparable advantage to build itself as the trade distribution center to the DPRK as its port accounted for 70 percent of China's export trade volume to the DPRK. Having a grand harbor, four highways opened or now under construction, 2 high-speed railways and a newly-built airport, Dandong has already formed an accessible traffic network.

In addition, the Yalu River Bridge that is under construction will be China's largest trade distribution center to the DPRK and the main channel to travel into North Korea.

"The purpose of holding the Expo is to promote the locational advantage of Dandong to gather trade-related industries," said Lin Xuewei, chairman of the Dandong Council for the Promotion of International Trade. Commodities of 12 major categories such as textile and garments, cereals, oils and foodstuffs, daily chemicals, electronic appliances, agricultural goods and construction materials will be exhibited in accordance with the market demand of the DPRK.

Meanwhile, the DPRK will host a delegation of 500 people to participate in four activities including exhibition and trade, trade cooperation, art performances as well as culture and tourism cooperation. They will display commodities in 10 major categories concerning clothing and accessories, folk culture, food, medicine and health care products. Merchants from both China and North Korea will take the opportunity to develop trade negotiations and seek win-win cooperation.

Edited by Zhao Qian and Brian Salter