This study examines changes in trade-related laws and systems in North Korea and actual trade practices, and analyzes them in accordance with international standards (the WTO regulatory framework). Recently, as the situation on the Korean Peninsula changes rapidly, interest in economic cooperation has risen in hand with the improvements in inter-Korean relations. However, our understanding of the North Korean trade system remains low. In order to prepare for the reform and opening up of North Korea and the resumption of inter-Korean economic cooperation, it is necessary to consider the characteristics of the North Korean trade system and measures to support  advancement.
   The main contents of this study are as follows: an examination of changes in the North Korean foreign trade system from 1990 to 2010, a review of the North Korean trade system and actual trade practices by detailed sectors, and a proposal of improvement plans for the North Korean trade system in accordance with WTO standards.
   Chapter 2 examines the expansion of North Korean trade and changes in related laws and institutions. First, after examining the expansion of North Korea’s trade, explanations are provided in connection with changes in laws and institutions. In addition, we analyze the changes in North Korea-China economic cooperation and the changes in inter-Korean economic cooperation in connection with the changes in the North Korean trade system. In order to understand the problems associated with North Korean trade laws and systems from the viewpoint of South Korea, we discuss the problems caused by the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Act of South Korea and provide a review of discussions in the 2000s concerning the conclusion of a CEPA between South and North Korea.
   Chapter 3 analyzes regulations and trading practices within North Korean trade laws and trade system. First, we examined the characteristics of the North Korean trade system and changes by period. Next, we analyzed the characteristics and problems of the North Korean trade system proposed by North Korean businessmen in China. In particular, we conducted an analysis of specific areas within North Korean official and informal trade systems, reviewing the areas of commodity and service trade, investment protection, customs clearance and quarantine, trade relief and dispute resolution.
   Chapter 4 examines issues of concern between the North Korean trade system and international standards, especially WTO rules. In order to overcome the lack of related data, we focus on issues and solutions that arose during the process of transition economies joining the WTO.
   In Chapter 5, we examine the issues and areas requiring improvement within North Korean trade laws and systems. First, we looked at how the North Korean trade system should be improved for economic growth, especially for export-led and foreign-funded economic growth. Next, we examined the issues and areas for improvement that must be addressed to establish a CEPA between the two Koreas. Finally, we looked at how North Korean trade laws and systems should be oriented to conclude a Northeast Asian regional trade agreement. In particular, we suggest an improvement strategy for the North Korean trade system, and negotiation strategy of the Korean government, in preparation for the conclusion of a CEPA. In the long run, North Korea should consider normalizing foreign trade and joining the WTO system. Lastly, we propose a negotiation strategy that takes into consideration the necessary process of persuading WTO members.
   The results of the study indicate that North Korea’s efforts toward legalization were not sufficient to lead the expansion of its trade. Although there have been efforts to establish a proper institutional framework to attract foreign capital into North Korea in the form of foreign investment, inter-Korean trade, and economic cooperation, there are numerous cases demonstrating how institutional devices to protect investors remain insufficient in terms of their actual enforcement. The partial rule of law within North Korea limits the quantitative and qualitative growth of trade, restricts North Korean trade participants to only North Koreans, and restricts the actual binding effect of trade-related legislation even if they are enacted. Improvement will be needed in these areas.
   It appears that North Korea will have no choice but to adopt a strategy that centers on FDI and export-led growth policies, as many Asian countries have, and this will likely proceed in the three stages of signing a CEPA between South and North Korea, concluding regional trade agreements in Northeast Asia, and accession to the WTO. In this process, North Korea will need to: (1) improve its tariffs and non-tariff barriers, (2) solve the problem of partial rule of law, (3) gain the trust of the international community and resolve disputes, and (4) conclude international trade agreements and cultivate human resources. In addition, in order for North Korea to maintain good foreign trade relations and attract investment from the international community, it will be necessary to faithfully carry out trade and investment contracts, to ensure the recovery of profits stemming from investment, and to resolve outstanding debts.
   We hope the findings of this study can offer valuable proposals for the reform of North Korea’s trade system to be considered during the negotiation process of an inter-Korean CEPA. The study is also significant in that it provides general reference data on the trends and characteristics of trade-related laws and regulations within North Korea, which will play a key role in the transition process of the North Korean economy. 

서언

국문요약

제1장 서론
1. 연구의 목적과 필요성
2. 연구의 범위와 방법론
가. 연구 내용
나. 주요 연구 이슈와 쟁점

제2장 북한 무역의 확대와 관련 제도 변화
1. 북한 무역의 확대와 무역제도화의 연계
2. 무역제일주의와 대외무역제도 법제화(1990년대)
3. 남북교역 및 북중무역의 확대와 양자협정(2000~12년)
4. 김정은 집권 전후 무역제도 개선(2013년 전후)
5. 소결

제3장 북한 무역제도 규정과 거래관행
1. 북한 무역제도의 특징
2. 상품교역 규정과 거래관행
가. 상품교역 규정
나. 상품교역 관행
3. 서비스 교역 및 투자보호: 외국인투자기업의 애로사항을 중심으로
가. 외국인투자 관련법, 제도
나. 외국인투자 관행
4. 통관 및 검역 제도와 관행
가. 통관 및 검역의 법적ㆍ제도적 근거
나. 통관 및 검역 관행
5. 수출입 규제 분석
6. 남북교역 규정과 거래관행
가. 남북교역의 법적ㆍ제도적 근거
나. 남북교역 관행
7. 소결

제4장 북한 무역제도와 국제기준 비교 및 쟁점 분석
1. GATT/WTO 다자무역체제하의 의무와 혜택
가. 상품교역 관련 의무
나. 서비스 교역 관련 의무
다. 무역 관련 투자조치 관련 의무
라. 분쟁해결 관련 의무
2. 주요 체제전환국의 WTO 가입경험 및 쟁점
가. WTO 신규 가입 현황 및 배경
나. 주요 체제전환국의 WTO 가입 협상 과정에서의 쟁점
3. 북한 무역제도에 대한 시사점
가. 북한의 WTO 가입 협상 시 예상 쟁점
나. 북한의 WTO 가입 과정에 대한 전망

제5장 북한 무역제도의 쟁점과 개선방향
1. 북한 경제성장과 무역 확대의 필요성, 제도 개선방향
가. 관세 및 비관세 장벽의 개선방향
나. 부분적 법치주의 문제 해결
다. 대북제재 해제
라. 국제사회로부터 신뢰 회복 및 과거 분쟁 해결
마. 국제무역협정 체결 및 인력 양성
바. 소결: 무역 법ㆍ제도의 개선방향
2. 남북한 경제통합(CEPA 체결)의 쟁점과 방안
3. 동북아 지역무역협정 체결과 WTO 가입

참고문헌

부록
1. 북한의 통상ㆍ외국투자 부문 27개 법률
2. 조선민주주의인민공화국정부와 중화인민공화국정부의 투자 촉진 및 보호에 관한 협정

Executive Summary