Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of North Korea’s Workers’ Party, attended the opening ceremony of a paper factory in Eunsan County, South Pyongan Province. His presence underscored the importance of local economic growth ahead of the 9th Party Congress.
On December 28, the party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported that Kim participated in the inauguration ceremony of the newly built paper factory in Unsan County on December 28.
During the ceremony, party secretary Ri Il-hwan highlighted Kim’s meticulous guidance in the design and planning of the facility to ensure both professionalism and functionality. Ri also noted that Kim had deployed scientific and technological resources, describing the site as a comprehensive production base.
The newspaper reported that Ri praised the officials and workers of South Pyongan Province for setting a national example in implementing the party’s policy to boost local development and improve living standards. He commended the scientists and engineers for their exceptional pioneering spirit and creative enthusiasm in establishing new paper production technologies prioritized by the party.
After cutting the ceremonial ribbon, Kim evaluated the project, stating that the completion of this new factory, which can produce various products from multiple types of wood and local raw materials, demonstrates significant economic efficiency and practicality. It sets a model for other provinces to independently construct their own paper factories.
He further explained that the central party’s decision to establish paper industries in each province embodies the principles of maximization and optimization in construction while accurately reflecting the current realities and economic potential of the regions.
Kim emphasized that it must maintain clear objectives and directions for developing its unique paper-making methods and technologies based on the raw materials. This is crucial to meet the essential demand for paper across all sectors, including science, technology, education, and cultural life. The factory must responsibly manage equipment, labor, and technology to ensure production efficiency and sustainable growth while rigorously maintaining product quality.
The newspaper reported that Kim outlined key principles for the nationwide construction of paper factories, though specific details were not disclosed.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by members of the party’s central leadership, government officials, military leaders, workers from provincial and central agencies, and scientists and technicians from the State Academy of Sciences.
Kim had previously visited the factory on December 3, where he directed that detailed plans for building modern paper factories in all provinces should be discussed during the upcoming five-year plan period.
Since last year, Kim has prioritized the Local Development 20X10 policy in the economic sector, aiming to construct local industrial factories in 20 regions annually over the next decade. With a total of 40 factories expected to be completed by the end of this year, Kim’s recent site visits appear to be aimed at encouraging and monitoring these industrial development efforts.