BEIJING -- Government officials from China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea gathered in Beijing on Wednesday to promote investment opportunities in the two economic zones jointly operated by the two countries.

At the investment briefing conference, China's Vice-Minister of Commerce Chen Jian said that through the two countries' joint efforts, the Rason Economic and Trade Zone and Hwanggumphyong and Wihwa Islands Economic Zone in the DPRK have produced positive results.

Describing the joint development as a person crossing a river by feeling his way over the stones, Chen urged both sides to strengthen cooperation and coordination to explore practical and innovative models.

He said the ministry encourages and supports willing enterprises from both home and abroad to invest in the economic zones.

At the conference, representatives from the trade zones introduced their investment environments to participating enterprises.

The Rason Economic and Trade Zone, located in northeast DPRK, adjacent to Yanbian Prefecture in China's Jilin province, will focus on the development of raw materials, equipment, high-tech products, the light industry, the service sector and modern agriculture.

The Hwanggumphyong and Wihwa Islands Economic Zone, located near the estuary of the Yalu River, will focus on the development of information industry, tourism, modern agriculture and garment manufacturing.