Here's a new idea: Investing in N Korea

Opinion is still divided on whether the reclusive state is ready to play host to foreign investors. But peace seems within grasp, and some investors are already there.

Chinese scholars have asked whether North Korea would protect the property rights of foreign investors in the event of a war. For now, easing of the UN sanctions would signal that it is safe to invest in the north.

PHOTO: AFP

THE new flavour of the year may be investing in North Korea. The self-isolated country is being wooed both by America and South Korea with diplomatic phrases that describe it as "brimming with prosperity", and an extraordinary proposal to create "three economic belts" connecting the two Koreas