Jang Sung-taek’s execution will not alter North Korea’s trade goals

Jang Sung-taek’s execution will not alter North Korea’s economic goals, an official said.

Jang Sung-taek, uncle of leader Kim Jong-un, had been building trade with China before his removal led to speculation a drive to attract foreign cash will end.

Foreign investment is seen as crucial to North Korea’s fragile economy.

Kim Kyong-hui, Jang Sung-taek’s wife and Kim Jong-un’s aunt, was meanwhile named on a state committee – signaling she remains safe within the ruling dynasty.

Jang Sung-taek had been one of North Korea’s most powerful officials and a key architect of the country’s economic policies.

His execution last week and the recall of a North Korea business team from China, prompted concerns that his associates were being purged as part of a campaign by Kim Jong-un to consolidate his power.

It also led to fears for the stability of the nuclear-armed state.

But Yun Yong Sok, a senior member of the state economic development committee, told the Associated Press news agency that North Korea’s trade goals were unaffected.

“Even though Jang Sung-taek’s group caused great harm to our economy, there will be no change at all in the economic policy of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea,” he said.

“It’s just the same as before.”

North Korea last month announced plans to create provincial economic zones offering incentives for foreign tourism and investment.