North Korea has swiftly initiated the third year of Kim Jong Un’s flagship economic program, the Local Development 20×10 Policy, ahead of the 9th Party Congress. Analysts view this as a strategic move to showcase the regime’s commitment to improving living standards and economic growth.
The party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on January 30 that a grand groundbreaking ceremony for new local development projects took place on January 29 in Unryul County, South Hwanghae Province, with Kim in attendance.
The Local Development 20×10 Policy, launched in January 2024, aims to construct local industrial plants in 20 cities and counties annually over a decade, with the goal of enhancing residents’ material and cultural living standards.
The inaugural project began on February 28, 2024, in Seongcheon County, South Pyongan Province. At the groundbreaking ceremony, Kim expressed that he’s deeply moved, knowing that this will provide tangible benefits to millions of people across all cities and counties. He regrets that they are only starting this now. This statement underscores the project’s intention to garner public support.
In 2024, North Korea plans to construct new local factories or modernize existing ones in 20 regions, including Seongcheon, Unpa, Yeoncheon, Jaeryeong, Eunchon, Eorang, Gyeongseong, Geumya, Hamju, Usi, Dongshin, Kim Hyong-jik, Guseong City, Unsan, Gujang, Sukcheon, Icheon, Gosan, Oncheon, and Jangpung counties.
Last year, the first local industrial plant opening ceremony occurred on February 6th in Kangdong County, Pyongyang, later than this year’s start. North Korea reported completing local industrial plants in 20 regions, including Kangdong, Kangryong, Shinyang, Rangrim, Daegwan, Buryong, Hwangju, Jangyeon, Bukchang, Cheorwon, Janggang, Sinpo City, Baechon, Goksan, Sepo, Kim Jong-suk, Gilju, Jeongpyeong, Gaepung, Yeonju, and Ryonggang counties.
Additionally, plans for constructing local hospitals and comprehensive service centers, similar to shopping malls, are set to be incorporated into the Local Development 20×10 Policy by mid-2024. The construction of the Eunsan Textile Factory in South Pyongan Province, hospitals in Kangryong County, Guseong City, and Ryonggang County, and comprehensive service centers in Kangryong County, Jeongpyeong County, and Gaepung District have also been completed.
This January launch marks the earliest start for the initiative, suggesting its operation is independent of decisions made at the 9th Party Congress.
The early commencement also indicates the regime’s focus on solidifying public support through this program. The specific locations for the 20 new local factories slated for construction this year have not yet been disclosed.
Meanwhile, North Korea is making practical preparations for the 9th Party Congress. Rodong Sinmun reported that the Central Committee held a representative meeting on January 28 to elect delegates for the upcoming congress. Earlier, on January 24, it was reported that representatives were elected for the provincial party meetings after completing grassroots party organization assemblies and city and county party meetings. The selection of delegates from both regional and central levels suggests that the congress is imminent.