Google head honcho Eric Schmidt is all set for for a visit to North Korea as part of a goodwill mission with former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. While the country is identified as a potential hotspot oozing with technological and academic talent, North Korea country is mainly known for its almost militaristic-style government and a country with restrictive internet policies. For now, North Koreans currently has access to a built-in intranet, though access to outside content through the internet is currently not available. While Google is not likely to launch a business venture in North Korea, it is likely that the country is interested in Google specialties as email, maps and products and services. But then again, there is the potential that Google may push for North Korea to embrace access to the World Wide Web: Schmidt is no doubt a supporter for granting internet access for any and all people in the world and  also believes “the Internet and mobile technology have the power to lift people out of poverty and political oppression”. It’s also possible that we may see the overall expansion of Android into the country as well.

Regardless of what it is that comes out of this meeting, it should be something that should progress the isolated country. We’ll know what happens soon enough as Schmidt and Richardson are due to arrive to North Korea possibly as early as this month.

source: Associated Press