North Korea is accelerating its local construction projects as it enters the third year of its Local Development 20X10 Policy, holding a series of groundbreaking ceremonies since the start of the year.
The Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on February 1 that a groundbreaking ceremony for a local development project in Pyongwon County took place on January 31.
Premier Pak Thae-song, Ri Kyung-chul, the secretary of the South Pyongan Provincial Party Committee, Ri Sung-bum, chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, soldiers from the Korean People’s Army involved in the construction, as well as officials and workers from the province and Pyongwon County, attended the ceremony.
In his speech, Premier Pak remarked that the towns and counties that once viewed economic and cultural backwardness as inevitable are now redefining their status as benchmarks for measuring the nation’s resurgence. He emphasized that this transformation is the new face of socialist North Korea, brought about by the extraordinary leadership of their beloved leader, Kim Jong Un.
Pak continued that the revolutionary measures taken to prioritize local development as a critical political task have bolstered our construction capabilities and technical equipment. This has established a robust construction management system, ensuring the successful implementation of expanded building projects. His comments suggested that this year, North Korea will aggressively promote the construction of local factories, hospitals, and other projects aligned with the local development policy across various regions.
He called on everyone to dedicate all patriotic strength and passion to make this year, when the 9th Party Congress is held, a year that shines with new victories for the local revolution.
Previously, on December 30, Kim, the party’s General Secretary, attended the first groundbreaking ceremony for a local factory in the new year in Unryul County. There, he announced plans to construct factories, health facilities, and comprehensive service centers in 20 regions this year. However, the specific locations of these 20 areas have not been disclosed.
North Korea plans to implement the Local Development 20X10 Policy starting in 2024, aiming to establish local industrial factories in 20 counties annually over the next decade. This initiative is designed to improve the living standards and material conditions of local residents. The plan also includes the construction of local hospitals and grain management facilities.