A local Buddhist monk says North Korea will likely build an international trade center in Pyongyang under the auspices of the World Trade Centers Association.

The Venerable Chosan said Monday that the association's President Guy F. Tozooli has recently expressed the intent to actively support a global business center in Pyongyang to promote the communist state's overseas commerce.

During his visit to Pyongyang in March 1997, Tozooli adopted a protocol with the North to build the center there.