N. Korean leader stresses ‘quality’ over ‘speed’ in regional development project

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has emphasized the importance of quality over speed in the construction of factories and other modern facilities as part of ongoing efforts to develop underdeveloped regions outside of Pyongyang, state media said Monday. The directive was issued during Kim's "field guidance" to regional-industry factories under construction in Hamju County, South Hamgyong Province, on Saturday, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). During the visit, Kim emphasized that quality must be ensured and that "any practice of neglecting quality, inclined to speed, is a harmful act that hinders the Party's policy on regional construction," it said. North Korea has been prioritizing economic development in backward provinces, following Kim's commitment to modernizing factories in 20 counties over the next decade. The country's "20-10 Regional Development Policy" aims to raise what the regime refers to as the basic material and cultural living standards of the people. The KCNA reported that Kim once again emphasized the importance of the three key rules under the new policy, which includes the construction of additional public health facilities, science and technology learning centers, and grain management stations, alongside the ongoing development of regional industry factories. While Kim stressed the importance of building these facilities well rather than quickly, he also insisted that hospitals under construction must be completed by the end of the year, despite only four months remaining. Source: Yonhap News Agency