Pyongyang: North Korea has unveiled its decision to include a region near the inter-Korean border in its comprehensive 10-year regional development plan, led by leader Kim Jong-un, as reported by state media.

According to Yonhap News Agency, a groundbreaking ceremony took place in the Panmun Zone, marking it as one of the areas targeted under the Regional Development 20X10 initiative. This initiative aims to develop modern industrial infrastructure in 20 cities and counties annually, starting from 2024, to bridge the divide between urban and rural regions over a decade.

The Panmun Zone, which derives its name from the inter-Korean truce village of Panmunjom, is situated south of Kaesong. This area previously hosted the Kaesong Industrial Complex, a joint North-South venture that ceased operations in 2016 due to North Korea's nuclear and missile tests.

The KCNA highlighted that similar commencement ceremonies occurred in several other regions on the same day. The report noted that over the past two years, more than 120 modern factories have been constructed across North Korea as part of this extensive development effort.