Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a construction project, marking the first regional development initiative of the year under his ongoing development drive. Kim's ambitious policy aims to transform one-third of the country, as reported by state media on Friday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim was present at the ceremony held in Unnyul County, South Hwanghae Province, where he ceremonially dug the first spadeful of earth. This event marks the launch of the first regional construction campaign for 2026. The regional development policy, initiated by Kim in 2024, outlines the plan to build modern factories in 20 cities and counties annually over a decade, with the goal of improving living standards nationwide.
"This is the third year for implementing the regional development policy, and public health facilities and leisure complexes, together with regional-industry factories, will be built in 20 regions of the country including this Unnyul County," Kim stated during the ceremony, as quoted by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Kim emphasized the impact of the policy, noting that it signifies the transformation of nearly one-third of the country's cities and counties. He described the policy as a testament to the government's commitment to fundamentally and simultaneously improve the people's living conditions throughout the nation, showcasing the country's development potential.
Kim also expressed gratitude towards the soldiers mobilized at the construction sites, acknowledging them as "creators of the people's wellbeing." He reaffirmed the party's dedication to the people-first principle, asserting that they will continue to explore all potentialities for regional development and execute annual plans with determination.
In recent visits to sites related to the regional development policy, Kim has highlighted its outcomes, seemingly in an effort to garner public support as the country prepares for a significant party congress potentially occurring next month.