North Korean leader Kim Jong Un publicly inspected a new “20×10” factory construction project aimed at addressing the “backward” rural economy for the seventh time on Tuesday, according to state media, as end-of-year deadlines rapidly approach.

The Rodong Sinmun reported Wednesday that Kim visited the “Regional Development 20×10 Policy” site in Songchon County, where he declared satisfaction with its progress and demanded “accelerating the pace” for next year.

The project involves building small clusters of light industry factories in 20 counties and cities across the country each year for the next decade. 

With at least three in each county