Farm production is gradually improving, but geographical disparity is marked and many families are unable to find enough food for survival, Caritas-Hong Kong reports.
«In July 2002 an economic reform project launched by the North Korean government, which included the abolition of coupon system rationing, caused prices to rise and a drastic change in lifestyle; today there is a danger that only the strongest of the species will survive,» Kathi Zellweger, Caritas director of cooperation, told Fides.
«This means that external aid is crucial in this stage of transition from a social-economic system of total dependence on the state to one in which people must find their own food with limited state assistance,» she added.
Caritas hopes to collect $2.6 million by next March 30 for projects in nine of North Korea’s poorest provinces where 8 million people live.
Funds for this appeal should be transferred directly to the following bank accounts:
–Caritas-Hong Kong’s US$ A/C No. 616-101094-106
Fortis Bank Asia HK
27/F, Fortis Bank Tower
77-79 Gloucester Road
Hong Kong
Swift Code: GEBA HK KW.
Remark: North Korea
–Caritas-Hong Kong EURO A/C. No. 0010009-01-8 Deutsche Bank (Asia)
51/F, Cheung Kong Center
2 Queen’s Road
Hong Kong
Remark: North Korea PA
