North Korea has ramped up its local development policy this year, holding groundbreaking ceremonies for construction projects in areas such as the Sinuiju greenhouse farming complex, Pyongyang’s Kangnam County, and Maengsan County in South Pyongan Province. The initiative aims to simultaneously construct factories, healthcare facilities, and comprehensive service centers to elevate local living standards, underscoring the party’s emphasis on local revolution.
The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers’ Party, reported on Wednesday that groundbreaking ceremonies for the 2026 local development policy projects took place on Tuesday in the Sinuiju greenhouse farming complex, Kangnam County, and Maengsan County.
The newspaper emphasized that these ceremonies demonstrate the party’s resolve and practical ability to create a new era of transformation for the people, using public happiness as the ultimate measure of national strength.
The events were attended by Workers’ Party Central Committee officials, including Secretary Ri Hi-yong and Deputy Director Han Kwang-sang, as well as Kim Soo-gil, the chief secretary of the Pyongyang City Party, alongside local officials, workers, and military personnel.
Speakers announced that this year, 20 regions will see the establishment of modern factories, advanced healthcare facilities, and multifunctional service centers. They argued that beginning and ending the year with local construction projects proves the validity and vitality of the local revolution strategy.
They specifically highlighted that under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party, a solid foundation has been laid to advance these construction tasks. The speakers emphasized that the new facilities will contribute to improving residents’ material and cultural living standards, as well as their health.
The newspaper reported that military construction units have been urged to ensure the highest quality of work and to implement efficient building methods to complete the projects flawlessly. It added that preparations must be made to ensure the newly constructed facilities genuinely enhance public welfare.
Commanders from the Korean People’s Army’s 124th Regiment stated in discussions that if the party has assigned us a task, it will build the realities of civilization and prosperity with unwavering determination, regardless of the challenges. The newspaper reported that military builders have initiated operations and commenced construction.
The newspaper emphasized that the party’s commitment to ensuring local changes represent national development and embody the true essence of North Korean-style socialism has continuously accelerated the implementation of the local development policy.