PYONGYANG: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has inaugurated a newly completed fish farm in the east coastal city of Sinpho, emphasizing the importance of regional economic development for achieving economic self-reliance, according to state media reports on Monday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim Jong-un attended the inauguration ceremony of the Sinpho City Offshore Farm on Saturday. This visit follows an earlier directive from Kim in July to create the farm as part of a broader strategy for regional economic development. During the ceremony, Kim highlighted the role of offshore farming in transforming the fishing industry and called for future farms to be more advanced and tailored to local characteristics to bolster regional economic growth.
Kim stressed the necessity of demonstrating through practice that self-reliance and self-sustenance are vital for the residents of Sinpho. He also encouraged other cities and counties to enhance their economic independence by leveraging natural resources and favorable economic conditions unique to their regions.
During his visit, Kim toured the new facility, including a scallop processing unit, and evaluated various seafood products. He provided directives aimed at maximizing the farm's profitability and operational efficiency. This visit marks his third to the facility, following inspections in July and November during its construction phase.
Koo Byoung-sam, a spokesperson for South Korea's unification ministry, noted that Kim's visit to the fish farm, shortly after a significant party meeting, may be an effort to showcase tangible outcomes of his regional development policies before the year's end.