North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has set a goal of launching large scale construction projects this year, including the simultaneous building of industrial factories in 20 regions, according to state media KCNA, as the country prepares for a major ruling party congress.
North Korea is getting ready to convene the Ninth Party Congress of the Workers’ Party, a key political gathering expected to define major policy objectives for the coming years. Although KCNA did not specify the exact date, preparations are clearly under way as party bodies move to formalise representation and priorities.
Speaking on Thursday, Kim said the country was embarking on what he described as a major national effort focused on regional transformation. KCNA reported his remarks on Friday.
“We are now standing on the starting line of our gigantic struggle for another year, aimed at transforming the regions,” Kim said in the speech.
Focus On Regional Industrial Development
Kim outlined plans to construct regional industry factories alongside public health facilities and leisure complexes across 20 regions of the country. He said the scale of the effort would bring significant changes to local communities.
According to Kim, nearly one third of North Korea’s cities and counties would be transformed once the projects are completed. He framed the initiative as part of a broader strategy to rebalance development beyond the capital and other priority areas.
KCNA said the planned construction would proceed simultaneously in all targeted regions, underscoring the leadership’s emphasis on speed and visibility. The announcement reflects a continued focus on large scale mobilisation and state directed development.
Living Standards As Measure Of Progress
Kim also linked the construction drive to living standards outside Pyongyang. He said the condition of regional communities serves as a key indicator of the country’s overall development.
KCNA quoted him as saying that improving regional standards of living is a hallmark of national progress. The comments suggest that economic and social disparities between regions remain a concern for the leadership as it seeks to project stability and growth.
Party Congress Preparations Advance
Meanwhile, KCNA reported that a conference of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea was held on Wednesday. During the meeting, delegates were elected to attend the Ninth Party Congress.
Although state media did not disclose when the Congress will be held, the election of delegates signals that preparations are entering an active phase. The gathering is expected to outline policy direction and reinforce Kim’s priorities, including regional development and construction targets.
With inputs from Reuters
