North Korea said today that it has taken a new stride into the Internet age by opening an e-business centre for information on high-tech products.
The Internet has until recently been strictly limited to the state's leaders. But leader Kim Jong-Il has shown a keen interest in high technology since visiting computer and semiconductor firms in China last year.
State media reported today that modern educational equipment and school buses to "computer best brains training centres" were sent across the country.
And the new Pyongyang e-business centre, operated by the state-run Korea Namchongang Hi-tech Engineering Service Co., has established a website on the North's nationwide computer network, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.
Tens of thousands of scientists, technicians and students are visiting the new site, reflecting increasing popularity for its products, KCNA said.
Its database stores "hundreds of thousands of pieces of information" on hi-tech components and products made at home and abroad, it said.
The e-business company offers "virtual reality, industrial application and multi-media program development services," along with a photo and copy service and exchange of information technology, order processing and co-development of programs with foreign companies, KCNA said.
AFP