Texas is an epicenter for technology and 'a lot of economic development,' Perry said. Perry on why N. Korea targets Texas

According to Texas Gov. Rick Perry, North Korea’s threats directed at Austin could just be another form of flattery.

“Economically, what has happened in Texas over the course of the last decade has made this city an epicenter for a lot of technology, a lot of economic development,” the Republican said in an interview posted on CBS.com on Wednesday. “And I think the individuals in North Korea understand that Austin, Texas, is now a very important city in America, as do corporate CEOs and other people who are moving here in record numbers.”


( PHOTOS: Inside North Korea)

Reports last week featured images of what appeared to be the American cities North Korea views as targets, a list that includes Austin.

Perry’s full interview with CBS is set to air on “CBS This Morning” on Thursday, according to a network representative.

The Lone Star State leader also noted that rumblings from any country in possession of nuclear weapons should be “treated as a very real threat.”