Have you ever imagined taking part in a trade fair in North Korea, a country under heavy international sanctions and operating a socialist economic system? This is not mere fantasy but a reality. North Korea hosts international trade exhibitions in various cities, and this blog will serve as your most comprehensive guide to the Pyongyang International Trade Fair (PITF).
Table of Contents
WHAT IS THE PYONGYANG INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR?
The Pyongyang International Trade Fair is a trade exhibition held in Pyongyang. With the participation of socialist countries such as China and Vietnam, EU member states, and neighbouring countries like Russia, its scale has gradually expanded.
The Pyongyang Trade Fair was first planned in 1996 and was initially held once a year as a domestic event. However, from 2000 onwards, it evolved into the Pyongyang International Trade Fair, with participants from more than ten countries. Since 2005, an autumn exhibition has been introduced, making it a biannual event.
As of March 2025, the spring fair has been held 22 times, while the autumn fair has taken place 16 times.
WHEN AND WHERE WILL THE PYONGYANG INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR 2025 BE HELD?
North Korea will host the 23rd Pyongyang Spring International Trade Fair from 12th to 16th May 2025, marking the first Spring International Trade Fair in Pyongyang since the outbreak of COVID-19.
From 27th to 31st October 2025, North Korea plans to hold the 17th Pyongyang Autumn International Trade Fair. This will be the second Autumn International Trade Fair since the pandemic, following its first post-COVID edition in November last year.
Both editions of the 2025 Pyongyang International Trade Fair will take place at the Youth Central Hall and Okryu Exhibition Hall in Pyongyang.
The Youth Central Hall is a massive venue built for the 13th World Festival of Youth and Students in 1989, while the Okryu Exhibition Hall was formerly known as the Kimilsungia and Kimjongilia Exhibition Hall. This suggests that the 2025 Pyongyang International Trade Fair will be held on an impressive scale.
WHO WILL EXHIBIT AT THE PYONGYANG INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR?
The primary exhibitors at North Korea’s international trade fairs are typically Chinese companies. For instance, at the 2007 Pyongyang Autumn International Trade Fair, Chinese enterprises accounted for more than half of the foreign exhibitors. Meanwhile, as cooperation between Russia and North Korea has strengthened in various sectors, the number of Russian exhibitors has also been steadily increasing.
In addition to China and Russia, their traditional friends, there are usually participants from European and Southeast Asian countries each year.
Of course, North Korean companies also take part in the event. Originally, the Pyongyang International Trade Fair was a gathering mainly for trade professionals and industry experts.. Following the economic reforms introduced in 2002, North Korean factories and enterprises began implementing technological restructuring measures. As a result, factory managers and ordinary citizens have been visiting the exhibition halls to explore foreign products and discuss potential trade opportunities. Since 2005, it has gained significant popularity among the general public
WHAT TO SEE AT THE PYONGYANG INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR?
For North Koreans, the Pyongyang International Trade Fair presents a valuable opportunity to access high-quality imported goods and further discuss trade exchanges. For foreign businesspeople, it serves as a chance to establish commercial connections with North Korea and expand their market presence.
For tourists, the most fascinating aspect of the Pyongyang International Trade Fair is the opportunity to see numerous North Korean exhibitors and their unique products.
WHY IS THE 2025 PYONGYANG SPRING INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR SO SPECIAL?
Due to limited information and restricted internet access, North Korean enterprises and products remain largely unknown to the outside world. However, the Pyongyang International Trade Fair provides a rare opportunity for foreigners to witness the country’s latest developments and progress.
At the first Pyongyang Spring International Trade Fair held after a five-year hiatus, attendees will be able to observe North Korea’s latest advancements across various industries and every sector of daily life. Through the diverse range of products on display, visitors can gain insight into different aspects of everyday life in North Korea, making this an exceptional opportunity to understand the real lives of residents in the so-called hermit kingdom.
CONCLUSION
Although North Korea also hosts trade fairs in places such as Rason and Chongjin, the Pyongyang International Trade Fair remains the country’s largest, distinguished by its uniqueness and comprehensiveness. It also serves as an important window into the daily lives of North Korean people.
Check out YPT’s North Korea Tour pages and join us, one of the most experienced participants in the PITF, on a visit to Pyongyang!
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