North Korea Claims "COVID-19 Border Closure, a Boon to Self-Reliance"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Eun-byeol] North Korea claimed that the border closure measures to prevent the inflow of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) are rather a favorable factor that will successfully lead to self-reliance.

The Workers' Party organ, Rodong Sinmun, stated on the 17th in an editorial titled "Self-reliance is the powerful sword of the 80-day battle," that "The current situation of completely sealing off the borders, air, and sea to thoroughly block the inflow of the malignant virus is a golden opportunity to maximize our internal strength and development momentum based on our own power, technology, raw materials, and supplies."

Although North Korea is known to have suffered a significant economic shock, such as a sharp decline in food imports, since closing its borders in January, it encouraged turning this into an opportunity for a turnaround.

The newspaper pointed out, "It is most important to shake off the import sickness by exerting the power of self-sufficiency and self-reliance," adding, "If we look beyond the borders, the foundation of our economy will be shaken, and all our efforts and concerns devoted to overcoming unprecedented disasters and calamities will be in vain."

It continued, "When everyone burns away the import sickness, takes self-reliance and self-esteem as the lifeline, and firmly implements them, today's 80-day battle can truly become a stepping stone toward the grand march of self-reliance and self-strengthening."

Furthermore, it predicted, "Because there is absolute faith in our own strength and valuable experience of rapid rise through self-reliance, the victory of the 80-day battle is certain."

North Korea decided on the "80-day battle" at the Party Political Bureau meeting on the 5th and plans to focus on epidemic prevention and recovery from natural disasters until the 8th Workers' Party Congress in January next year.

Meanwhile, on the 15th, in Daecheong-ri, Eunp'a County, Hwanghaebuk-do, where floods had swept through, about 820 households' residences were completed, and a housewarming ceremony was held. In the Komdok district of Hamgyongnam-do, new house construction is also being accelerated, and rallies for the success of the 80-day battle are being held across all sectors nationwide.