On the 5th, NK News, a U.S. media outlet specializing in North Korean affairs, reported that North Korean soap manufacturers are seeking to enter the Russian market by applying for trademark registration in Russia.
According to the NK News, the Russian Federal Intellectual Property Service (Rospatent) announced on June 26 that Ryongaksan Soap Factory in Pyongyang officially applied for trademark registration in the Tatarstan Republic, an inland region of western Russia.
The product application states that the factory produces a variety of soaps including sweat-prevention soap, hair lotions, cleaning supplies, shampoos, and bathing products.
Once the trademark is registered, the factory can focus on marketing and advertising for import and export.
This comes as North Korea and Russia agreed to further expand cooperation following the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement at the Pyongyang summit on June 19.
From June 26 to 30, North Korea also held a product exhibition in Vladivostok, Russia, displaying North Korean food and clothing.
On the contrary, there are many skeptical views on whether North Korean products will be competitive in the Russian market.
Professor Artyom Lukin of the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok told NK News that although North Korean products could enter Russia, they would have to compete with similar products from China.
He expressed his doubts about North Korea’s mass production and supply capabilities, stating, “If North Korea can provide products of no less quality at a lower price than China, it could find a niche market.”