The Cooperative with several Korean-style buildings, located in North Phyongan Province, produces a variety of grasswork.

Typical of its products are hat, basket, carpet, cushion and mattress made of agricultural by-products and sedge.

The Cooperative also produces dozens of kinds of daily necessities with idle materials, including packing braid, gloves, rope and buttons.

1 000 odd grasswork pieces of this Cooperative were presented to the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

Cha Hwa Suk, chairwoman of the Cooperative, told KCNA:

"Leader Kim Jong Il visited our Cooperative and appreciated its service for the people, personally wearing a straw hat made by it. And he encouraged its employees to do their best to promote the people's wellbeing.

So, we have worked hard to repay his trust and love. All the employees would attend technological lecture to improve their skills.

The lecturers include technicians working at the Cooperative and university teachers in the province."