NK highlights economic feats ahead of plenary meeting

North Korean officials attend a ceremony marking the launch of an energy-efficient blast furnace at Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Complex in South Hamgyeong Province, Dec. 20. Yonhap

North Korean state media outlets on Tuesday ran articles on recent economic and industrial developments in what appeared to be efforts to highlight the country's economic accomplishments this year ahead of a key party meeting expected to take place this week.

The North's state media earlier reported the country will convene the ninth plenary meeting of the eighth central committee of the ruling Workers' Party late in December to review this year's state policies and set policy goals for next year. It did not elaborate on when the meeting would be held.

Rodong Sinmun, North Korea's main newspaper for its domestic audience, introduced efforts to increase production in the steel industry, such as the establishment of a new blast furnace at Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Complex, and an induction furnace at Hwanghae Iron and Steel Complex.

The newspaper also said the province of South Hamgyong has accomplished "feats that stand out" in terms of economic development and improvements in people's livelihoods by upholding decisions made at an earlier key party meeting.

The Korean Central News Agency has also been running articles on the establishment of various facilities — ranging from the development of a new tractor to modernized facilities at a pharmaceutical plant — in the agricultural and industrial sectors this week.

In contrast to major defense achievements the reclusive regime has accomplished this year — such as launching solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles and a military reconnaissance satellite — the North has suffered economic difficulties coming from yearslong COVID-19 border closure and international sanctions.

The North Korean economy saw its gross domestic product slip 0.2 percent on-year in 2022, shrinking for a third consecutive year, according to the data from Statistics Korea.

An official at Seoul's unification ministry in charge of inter-Korean affairs said the North is likely to review this year's policy and set out guidelines for the new year in the upcoming key meeting.

"While the North has not disclosed a date, it is expected to convene the meeting between Tuesday and Thursday based on previous cases," a ministry official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

"Some notable aspects will be its message for the South and overseas counterparts as well as to what extent it will touch on its plan for weapons development. We are also keeping tabs on changes in organizational affairs." (Yonhap)