(image: Korea Bizwire/Kobiz Media)
SEOUL, Oct. 26 (Korea Bizwire) — North Korea’s official newspaper claimed that the country has developed and partially commercialized a string of state-of-the-art technologies.
The Rodong Sinmun, an organ of the North’s ruling Worker’s Party, on Tuesday published an article covering the National Informatization Achievement Exhibition 2022, noting that a variety of Internet of Things (IoT), big data and cloud computing technologies had attracted attention during the exhibition.
According to the article, North Korea’s most prestigious Kim Il-sung University exhibited software for a comprehensive production management system and a biometric recognition system.
Also, a local IT company displayed a support system for transportation means that resembles a navigation system and an electronic payment system that resembles a simple settlement service.
The primary reason why Pyongyang is stepping up its drive for IT development appears to be its intention to strengthen its centralization of power like China by tightening control of information and money flow.
North Korea has actively introduced an electronic settlement system for new mobile phones over the past several years and adopted the Electronic Settlement Act in the Supreme People’s Assembly in October last year.
Experts pointed out that the prevalence of electronic settlements can contribute to bringing to the surface the cash hidden in wardrobes as well as reducing the size of the underground economy.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
