SEOUL, Nov. 9 (Yonhap) -- The role of North Korea's cabinet in designing and running economic policies is increasing, the North's mouthpiece newspaper reported Friday, hinting at a major change being made in the decision-making process generally dominated by the country's leader.

   "The order is being established and appropriate measures are being taken in order to maximize the potential of the national economy," reported the Choson Sinbo, deemed the North's mouthpiece newspaper published in Japan by North Korean nationals. In doing so, "the cabinet government system and the cabinet-oriented system are being strengthened with economy-related matters being resolved through thorough discussion with the cabinet," the newspaper said.

   In a cabinet system, also called the Westminster system, members of the cabinet are collectively responsible for deciding all government policy.

   The North's shift to a cabinet system, although only limited to the economic sector, indicates a major change in the decision-making process from the one-man dictatorship dominated by the North's founding family.

   The newspaper also referred to cabinet Premier Choe Yong-rim's frequent visits to economic establishments, saying the cabinet is receiving support and encouragement to fully play its role from various levels of central and regional committees of its all-powerful Workers' Party of Korea.

   "It is true that efforts to invigorate the economy are being stressed at a different level that is unprecedented," the media outlet said. The environment is being made for officials to successfully push for economic projects beneficial to North Koreans, it noted.

   pbr@yna.co.kr
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