North Korea touts industrial ‘miracles’ as output exceeds targets, state media says

SEOUL, June 16 (Reuters) - North Korea's industrial output reached 105% of planned targets in the 100 days following the ‌country's ruling party congress in February, driven by technological ‌innovation and worker mobilisation, state media KCNA said on Tuesday.

North Korea outlined a new ​five-year plan at its Ninth Party Congress aimed at stabilising and consolidating the economy with a focus on basic industries, power supply and improving living standards.

KCNA credited "the strength of loyalty and patriotism, and ‌self-reliance based on science ⁠and technology" for the gains across sectors including coal, cement and power.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ⁠had set science and technology as a key formula for increased production and urged the country to "open a new era of transformation" through ​self-reliance, ​KCNA reported.

Cement output rose at major ​plants such as the ‌Sangwon Cement Complex, where KCNA said March output was 107% of the monthly target, while coal mines posted production around 106% of year-earlier levels through new mining methods and equipment upgrades.

Power generation also increased through efficiency improvements at thermal and hydropower plants, alongside higher ‌output of fertilisers and other industrial ​goods, KCNA said.

North Korea has long ​faced chronic power shortages, though ​some recent analyses, including satellite imagery cited by ‌the Wall Street Journal, suggest night-time ​light intensity has ​rebounded to around three times levels seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

State media has touted nationwide construction activity and broader ​economic gains, which analysts ‌say have been supported by arms and manpower transfers ​to Russia and trade and support from China.

(Reporting by ​Kyu-seok Shim; Editing by Nia Williams)