North Korea's General Secretary Kim Jong Un delivers a speech on the occasion of the construction of regional-industry factories in Songchon County, February 28, 2024. Photo: KCNA.
This policy aims to build state-of-the-art regional-industry factories in 20 counties annually over the next decade.
The implementation of the DPRKS’s Regional Development 20×10 Policy is progressing rapidly, signaling a major push towards modernizing regional industry across the country.
What is the 20×10 policy framework?
Launched to address both material and cultural living standards, this policy aims to build state-of-the-art regional-industry factories in 20 counties annually over the next decade.
Kim Jong Un has taken a hands-on approach to ensure the success of this initiative. In early February, he visited Kimhwa County to review and set high standards for the new factories.
During this visit, Kim said that future projects must surpass the modernization and architectural quality of those already built in Kimhwa.
Following this, in late February, Kim Jong Un partook in the ceremony for new factories in Songchon County, where he delivered a speech and performed the ceremonial first spadeful of earth, marking the official start of construction.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a factory in Songchon County, #NorthKorea. pic.twitter.com/pG67Xi4YKX
— Hans Solo (@thandojo) March 1, 2024
What are the goals of the 20×10 policy?
The Regional Development 20×10 Policy aims to enhance living conditions across DPRK by introducing modern factories that utilize local resources.
The policy’s objectives are to increase the quality and efficiency of regional production, thus improving overall living standards and fostering economic growth.
The initial results from Kimhwa County have been promising. Factories there, built under this policy, have seen substantial improvements in production capacity and product quality.
A ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of regional-industry factories in Songchon County, as part of the project to implement the Regional Development 20×10 Policy, took place with splendor on Feb. 28.
Respected Kim Jong Un was present at the ceremony.#DPRK #NorthKorea pic.twitter.com/VRAhjmlGFj— Pyongyang Today (@Pyongyang_Today) March 1, 2024
These factories are producing a range of goods, including foodstuffs, clothing, and daily necessities, and have managed to increase their output significantly. Surplus products are being distributed beyond Kimhwa to neighboring counties, showcasing the policy’s impact.
Kim Jong Un further mentioned that future factories should exceed the standards set in Kimhwa, stressing continuous improvement and innovation. This policy is not just about building new facilities but about creating a model for sustainable and balanced regional development.
Analysts have noted that the policy demonstrates Kim’s strategic acumen and effective organizational skills, as well as a commitment to both short-term progress and long-term development.
As the policy continues to unfold, it is expected to drive significant changes in DPRK’s regional economies.
