North Korea continues to promote its Regional Development 20×10 Policy as a landmark achievement. However, behind the slogans, many factories face disruption and poor performance. Moreover, local residents complain that goods from these facilities are low quality and bring little improvement to daily life.
The Regional Development 20×10 Policy aims to construct modern industrial sites in 20 counties each year for a decade. Authorities claim the project will enhance living standards and support self-reliant growth. Leader Kim Jong Un has promoted the plan as a key national success. Yet, the results on the ground tell a different story.
The Kimhyongjik county factory, completed under this policy, has almost stopped operations. At first, it produced items like soap, toothpaste, sneakers, and cooking oil. However, citizens quickly criticized these goods as poor quality. Some even said the clothing was unusable. This negative reaction reinforced public doubts about the project’s promises.
Production at the factory has since slowed to a crawl. Reports state that its food unit now operates only one week per month. Furthermore, residents continue buying essential items from traditional markets. Consequently, earlier promises of steady supply and better quality remain unmet.
To address this failure, the provincial prosecutor’s office launched a factory crackdown in Kimhyongjik county. Inspectors said they aim to find reasons for weak output and punish mismanagement. Additionally, prosecutors warned that local leaders could face consequences if distribution problems persist.
The launch of this factory crackdown highlights how authorities prefer punishment over practical solutions. Officials at the site complained about political pressure without receiving resources to improve performance. They stressed that logistical issues, not ideological weakness, blocked production. However, the government demanded results without offering material support.
Meanwhile, state media continues to report success. Rodong Sinmun recently claimed that factories achieved “remarkable growth” and produced high-quality goods. It insisted that shops in rural areas were full of customers buying locally made items. Yet, residents describe empty shelves and low-quality products.
The widening gap between propaganda and reality undermines trust. Citizens view the policy as hollow, and trade officials struggle under political pressure. Ultimately, the promise of industrial revival cannot be met without genuine investment and realistic planning.
