North Korea's prime minister was given a tour of Shanghai Wednesday.

It was an opportunity for Choe Yong Rim to see first-hand how the Chinese financial center has been transformed since Beijing opened up its economy to market forces.

Mr. Choe and his delegation also held talks with Mayor Han Zheng and other Shanghai officials.

The North Korean leader in in China on a five-day visit aimed at solidifying Pyongyang's relationship with its main ally and trading partner. Mr. Choe held talks Tuesday with Chinese President Hu Jintao in Beijing.

The two countries recently agreed to establish development zones along their common border.

China is also host of six-nation talks on the North's nuclear programs, which have been stalled since Pyongyang abruptly walked away in 2009. Nuclear envoys from North and South Korea met on the issue last week.