North Korea’s new factories struggle as workers sent to mines
North Korea is building new local industrial factories nationwide under its “Regional Development 20×10 Policy.” The policy calls for building modern factories in 20 cities and counties every year for a decade, but many of the plants cannot produce normally as they lack raw materials and face chronic power shortages. As a result, factory workers […]
North Korea is constructing new industrial factories across the country under its "Regional Development 20×10 Policy," but many face challenges in production due to lack of raw materials and power shortages. Consequently, factory workers are often assigned to mobilization work instead of manufacturing. A source in Ryanggang province reported that new factories for food, daily necessities, and garments have been established in various regions, but actual production is limited as authorities mobilize some workers to construction sites and rural areas while others are sent to mines.
One worker married recently was reportedly sent to magnesite mines in Tanchon, South Hamgyong province for extended periods, often missing home. Despite the factories' recent construction, workers spend more time at mobilization sites than in production sites. Although North Korea aims to raise basic material and cultural living standards for its citizens within a decade through the Regional Development 20×10 Policy, insufficient raw materials and electricity continue to disrupt production, making it difficult to normalize output.
Written by urgent.news from Daily NK's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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