AKIPRESS.COM - North Korea's economy accelerated at its fastest pace in 17 years, despite sanctions over its nuclear and missile programs, BBCreported.
Gross domestic product grew by 3.9% in 2016 compared with the previous year, according to the Bank of Korea.
The growth stemmed largely from mining and energy, as well as an increase in exports to China.
The US has been urging Beijing to cut trade with Pyongyang as tensions mount over Kim Jong-un's nuclear ambitions.
China is North Korea's only major ally, trading partner and aid donor.
Last week China issued data suggesting trade with North Korea was not as strong as implied by President Trump.
But while Beijing has stopped coal imports from the North, it has continued to trade iron, iron ore and other commodities.