<P> North Korean fisheries export seafood, primarily crab, to Dandong, Liaoning, illicitly . Crabs, clams and conches from the Yellow Sea waters of North Korea are popular in China, possibly because the less salty water improves taste . </P> <P> North Korea's economy has been unique in its elimination of markets . By the 1960s, market elements had been suppressed almost completely . Almost all items, from food to clothes, have traditionally been handed out through a public distribution system, with money only having a symbolic meaning . Ratios of food depend on hierarchy in the system, wherein the positions seem to be semi-hereditary . Until the late 1980s, peasants were not allowed to cultivate private garden plots . </P> <P> Since the government is the dominant force in the development and management of the economy, bureaus and departments have proliferated at all administrative levels . There are fifteen committees--such as the agricultural and state planning committees--one bureau, and twenty departments under the supervision of the State Administration Council; of these, twelve committees--one bureau, and sixteen departments are involved in economic management . In the early 1990s, several vice premiers of the State Administration Council supervised economic affairs . Organizations undergo frequent reorganization . Many of these agencies have their own separate branches at lower levels of government while others maintain control over subordinate sections in provincial and county administrative agencies . </P> <P> Around 1990, with the collapse of the Soviet Union, restrictions on private sales, including grain, ceased to be enforced . It is estimated that in the early 2000s, the average North Korean family drew some 80% of its income from small businesses that were technically illegal (though unenforced) in North Korea . In 2002, and in 2010, private markets were progressively legalized . As of 2013, urban and farmer markets were held every 10 days, and most urban residents lived within 2 km of a market . </P>

Who makes the economic decisions in north korea