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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects the Machine Plant Managed by Jon Tong Ryol in early 2015 | Image: Rodong Sinmun (April 1, 2015)

Swiss testing and inspection giant Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS) denied North Korea’s claim that it maintains a representative office in Pyongyang, raising questions over whether the DPRK is exaggerating a historic relationship as it seeks to expand foreign trade.

“SGS does not maintain a representative office or other corporate presence in North Korea. Any information suggesting otherwise is not accurate,” SGS Corporate Communications told NK News last week. 

The company added that it maintains controls to comply with sanctions and export-control rules.

The denial comes as North Korean exports recover from their pandemic-era collapse. 

DPRK exports rose