North Korea Shows Off Economic Wins Ahead of Year-End Party Meeting

North Korea has begun showcasing its economic achievements from the past year ahead of the Workers’ Party year-end plenary meeting.

In a front-page article titled “The Boundless Development Power and Advancing Spirit of Our Nation Raised Higher Under the Banner of Self-Reliance,” the Rodong Sinmun declared on Thursday that “a socialist power is none other than a self-reliant power,” claiming that all sectors of the people’s economy made lively progress this year.

The article focused on achievements in the construction sector, including completing 10,000 housing units in areas like Rimhung Street, Junwi Street, and the third phase of Hwasong District in Pyongyang. It also praised the country’s quick recovery efforts in North Pyongan and Jagang Provinces following devastating floods, calling it “another front for completing disaster recovery work at the highest level in the shortest time.”

Throughout December, North Korean media have published numerous articles praising the country’s self-reliant economic accomplishments.

The newspaper also reported on completion of the Hyesan Instant Noodle Factory in Yanggang Province and the first-phase dike construction at Zone 3 of Daedong Bay’s reclamation project.

North Korea continues to emphasize self-sufficient economic activities as its industrial base weakens due to prolonged economic hardships and international sanctions.

During last year’s Workers’ Party plenary meeting, Kim Jong Un assessed that the people’s economy had made “remarkable achievements” and reiterated his intent to revive it without external assistance multiple times this year.

Specifically, North Korea launched its “20×10 Local Development Policy” this year, aiming to build 20 modern local industrial plants annually in 10 counties over the next decade. Kim personally attended the completion ceremony for a regional industrial plant in Songchon County on December 20, among other visits to project sites.

Following massive floods in North Pyongan and Jagang Provinces in late July, even when Russia offered support, Kim emphasized self-reliant recovery, stating, “We will seek assistance when necessary.”

Last week, Kim visited the housing construction completion ceremony in a flood-damaged area of North Pyongan Province and announced plans to construct a large greenhouse farm there to boost the regional economy.