NORTH KOREA

N. Korea Seeks Investors: North Korea this week will begin to seek investments for its newly created “free” economic zones in a northeast province, a region offering preferential treatment to foreign investors who establish joint ventures. The North Korean government last week announced that it would establish the trade zones in a 240-square-mile area in North Hamgyong province. A North Korean government agency said the state will protect capital invested by foreigners and provide incentives, including tariff reductions and exemptions. Tax rates on foreign ventures will vary based on the nature of their investment.