This book looks at external economic strategies that North Korea will show much interest in and are related with East Asian economic integration process for its reform and development, emphasising that economic opening and integration should have a high priority, anteceding or at least being parallel to economic reform and transformation. 'The North Korean economy is changing, but from the nuclear and security standpoints the country remains a problem. In this important book, Rhee and Messerlin show how economic engagement can aid the economic transition and also help with the security challenge. American, European and Asian strategists alike would be well advised to pay close attention to the authors' proposals.' - Barry Eichengreen, George C. Pardee and Helen N. Pardee Professor of Economics and Political Science, University of California, Berkeley 'Managing economic reform and gradually opening the economy to foreign trade and investment is a key challenge confronting North Korean policymakers. This book presents a roadmap for doing so, drawing on the experience of other transition countries. It offers valuable, practical guidance on the design of an external economic policy reform strategy, making a compelling case that this should center on integration into the East Asian economy.' - Bernard Hoekman, Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, European University Institute 'I cannot agree more with Rhee's view that the most imperative for North Korean people is economic development through economic opening. This important book discusses concrete and practical open-door strategies and policies that can lessen the political burden on the North Korean government - the participation in regional economic integration in East Asia.' - Professor Hong Tack CHUN, Dean, KDI School of Public Policy and Management, South Korea