North Korea’s Push for Local Growth: Kim Jong Un Oversees Industrial Project Ahead of Year-End Deadline

North Korea’s state-run media, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), reported that Kim Jong Un conducted an on-site inspection of a local industrial plant construction site in Jaeryong County, South Hwanghae Province, the previous day.

During his visit to the construction site in Jaeryong County, Kim ordered thorough preparations to ensure the plant could commence operations immediately upon completion.

According to a KCNA report, Kim visited the site as part of his ongoing push to advance North Korea’s “20×10 Local Development Policy.” Introduced during the Supreme People’s Assembly in January, the policy aims to construct modern factories in 20 cities and counties annually over the next decade to improve living standards nationwide.

While inspecting, Kim underscored the importance of worker accountability as the project’s year-end deadline approaches. He urged officials to ensure all equipment is installed, tested, and fully operational at the highest quality standards.

Kim further stated that the plant should begin production immediately upon completion, urging that all preparatory work be carried out meticulously to bring about tangible improvements in local residents’ lives from the first year of the 10-Year Local Development Revolution. He expressed confidence that this year would conclude successfully as the first year of implementing the 20×10 Local Development Policy.

The visit also included senior officials such as Jo Yong Won, the Party’s organizational secretary, Kim Yong Soo, head of the Party’s financial management department, and Kim Yo Jong, deputy director of the Party. They were greeted on-site by Jo Young Cheol, Minister of Local Industry, and the chief secretary of the Workers’ Party committee in Jaeryong County, South Hwanghae Province.