The leader of a Chinese economic association is visiting North Korea to promote trade between the two countries, underscoring a potential expansion of civilian and business engagement following the restoration of transportation links.

According to the Chinese Embassy in Pyongyang, Chinese Ambassador Wang Yajun met with China Asia Economic Development Association President Quan Shunji on Monday. During the meeting, Wang said China-North Korea relations have entered a “new stage of development,” with exchanges and cooperation across various fields continuing to deepen.

The ambassador also said he hoped the CAEDA would “seize the opportunity” to expand cooperation in economic, trade and