By Kim Sue-young
Staff Reporter

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has visited a free economic trade zone in the northern port city of Rason in a move to boost trade, according to North Korea's state media Thursday.

This was his first inspection of the area since it was designated a free economic zone in December 1991.

His rare visit was construed as an attempt to boost economic cooperation with China and Russia amid U.N. sanctions on the communist state for its testing of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles, and to develop the area as a trade hub.

``It is very important to abide by the principle of the credit-first policy in foreign trade,'' Kim was quoted as saying during the undated visit by the North's Korean Central News Agency.

He also told workers there to obey ``export discipline and improve the quality of goods,'' the report said.

The secretive regime's exclusive stance toward reform and openness has hindered it from attracting foreign investment.

According to reports, some hotels and casinos run by Chinese firms are currently located in the zone.

North Korea and Russia, who have invested 140 million euros (approximately $20.2 million) agreed to improve Rajin port, the largest in Rason, and restore railways linking Rajin and Hasan in July last year.

In addition, the North reportedly agreed with China to make joint efforts to transform Rajin port into an international logistics hub.

ksy@koreatimes.co.kr