Kim Jong-un, chairperson of North Korea's State Affairs Commission, visited the completion ceremony of a local industrial plant built under the regional development policy again after three days and emphasized the spirit of self-reliance.
Korean Central News Agency reported on the 19th that the chairperson attended the completion ceremony of the local industrial plant in Jangyeon County, South Hwanghae Province, the previous day, cut the ribbon, and inspected the plant's internal facilities.
At the event, the chairperson said, "When we hold high the banner of self-reliance and doggedly pioneer the path of development and prosperity in our own way and struggle bravely, there is no ideal we cannot achieve," and added, "We have further strengthened our belief that we can surely build the 'socialist paradise on earth.'"
He went on to stress that raising the living standards of local residents and turning cities and counties nationwide into self-sufficient regions is the Party's long-cherished wish and the basic goal of policy.
During the inspection, the chairperson tasted products such as doenjang and soy sauce produced at the food factory and personally looked over the beer production process. He said, "The taste and quality of products are the fruits of producers' devotion and skill," and ordered the creation of a guidance manual standardizing all processes and the active encouragement of quality competition among local factories.
On the same day, senior Party officials, including the cabinet premier, added support by attending completion ceremonies dispersed across places such as Bukchang County in South Pyongan Province, Janggang County in Jagang Province, and Cheorwon County in Kangwon Province. North Korea is currently holding nationwide completion ceremonies to promote the results of the "20×10 regional development policy" aimed at narrowing the urban-rural gap.
On the 15th, the chairperson also attended the completion ceremony for a factory in Kangdong County, Pyongyang, accompanied by spouse Ri Sol-ju and daughter Ju-ae. This is seen as a move to highlight regional development achievements as core accomplishments ahead of the 9th Party Congress early next year. North Korea recently finalized 20 cities and counties that will carry out next year's construction projects through a Workers' Party plenary meeting.