Pyongyang:North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has recently toured a garment and footwear exhibition, emphasizing the achievements in light industry production as part of his regional development policy, as reported by state media.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim visited the 2026 National Garment and Footwear Exhibition and expressed satisfaction with the "rapid and substantial" development in light industry. The tour, which took place the previous day, included his daughter, Ju-ae, and his wife, Ri Sol-ju.

The exhibition showcased over 70,700 items of clothing in more than 30 types and over 170,000 pairs of shoes in over 60 varieties. These products were produced at light industry factories across North Korea under Kim's regional development policy.

Kim stated that the exhibition demonstrated the validity of the Party's policy to eliminate differences between central and local areas and achieve balanced development across the country. This policy, unveiled in 2024, aims to build modern factories in 20 cities and counties annually over a decade to enhance living conditions in regional areas.