North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party recently convened expanded plenary meetings with the Pyongyang City and provincial party committees to discuss follow-up actions based on decisions made during last month’s plenary session.
On Tuesday, Rodong Sinmun, the party’s official newspaper, reported that “expanded plenary meetings of the Pyongyang City and Provincial Party Committees were held to implement the decisions made during the 11th Plenary Meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Party.”
The newspaper explained that these meetings addressed strategic matters to execute this year’s tasks effectively, following the directives in the 11th plenary session. It also provided an analysis of last year’s progress, identifying successes, challenges, and lessons learned from the provincial committees’ implementation of party decisions.
On page 2, the newspaper highlighted North Korea’s “Local Development 20X10 Policy,” which promotes the construction of local industrial factories. The policy is part of the regime’s larger commitment to local development and public welfare. It includes new directives to improve healthcare, scientific education, cultural facilities, and grain management. The article also reported enthusiastic reactions from residents who visited newly built factories, with one quote: “People’s enthusiasm is surging everywhere, inspired by the tangible progress that brings the future closer.”
Page 3 focused on the ongoing efforts by party organizations at all levels to develop practical plans for fulfilling the tasks outlined for this year. The newspaper urged all party organizations to ensure rigorous preparations from the outset to meet their goals, stating, “All party organizations must be thoroughly prepared and deliver tangible results in the struggle to meet this year’s objectives.” In the healthcare sector, the article noted that measures are being implemented to improve the quality of medical services and strengthen the material and technological foundations necessary to implement the party’s health-related decisions.
Page 4 reported that the government is demanding improvements in product quality, expansion of product lines, and cost reductions at the newly built local industrial factories. It also highlighted that the Sunghori Cement Factory has introduced refractory bricks to increase cement production.
On page 5, the report analyzed the country’s educational support initiatives from the previous year and proposed plans to strengthen the national education system quickly. It attributed some sluggish progress to local officials prioritizing other tasks over education. Additionally, it mentioned that universities nationwide actively engage in scientific research in various sectors of the economy.
Finally, Page 6 referenced the visits of graduates from the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) to North Korea, emphasizing that “the patriotic commitment forged through ethnic education remains steadfast.” The article also criticized the Ukrainian government for blocking the flow of Russian natural gas to Europe since January 1. North Korea described Europe’s ongoing energy crisis as “the price of aligning with the U.S.”