S. Korea: N. Korea 2016 economic growth at 17-year high despite sanctions - RTRS

South Korea's central bank said on Friday, North Korea's economy grew at its fastest pace in 17 years in 2016, despite the international sanctions imposed, in the wake of its nuclear threat, Reuters reports.

Key Points:

North Korea GDP in 2016 rose by 3.9% versus a year ago, driven by mining and energy, marked the biggest rise since a 6.1 percent gain in 1999.

North Korea, which counts China as its biggest trading partner, also boosted exports by 4.6 percent, the most since an 11.8 percent jump in 2013.

The Bank of Korea has released GDP data on North Korea every year since 1991 based on information from government agencies including South Korea's Ministry of Unification and the National Intelligence Service.