The French daily Le Monde says commercialism is spreading in North Korea.

The daily said in a report from Pyongyang that initial signs of market economy are growing in North Korea, noting a handful of elite nouveau rich who frequent fine restaurants and drive new imported cars.

It also said that Pyongyang markets are filled with Chinese products, as some 500-thousand North Koreans engage in trade with China, either legal or illegal, near the border area.

The daily said increased trade with China has given North Koreans a glimpse into the outside world but that the North Korean regime still stresses rules and control.

But, according to the paper, it would be difficult for the North Korean government to suppress such commercial activities, since it knows that any ban could invite public resistance and cause the North Korean economy to come to a complete halt.

The daily added that some 60-thousand North Koreans are using cell phone services provided by an Egyptian telecom company.