North Korea: North Korea has promised to “re-energise” industrial production and put the economy back on a “normal track” following the disruption brought on by the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the “main task” of North Korea’s Cabinet will be to make sure the nation achieves its economic indicators and 12 primary goals “without fail.” According to the KCNA, Premier Mr. Kim Tok Hun stated during a parliamentary session that officials would revitalize the current production in order to put the economy back on a “normal track” and give the people a more secure and improved existence.

Mr. Kim Tok Hun stated that the government has the “honourable duty” to make 2023 a pivotal year of development in honour of the nation’s 75th anniversary of its foundation. The Supreme People’s Assembly, North Korea’s rubber-stamp parliament, on 17th January began a two-day session to discuss economic and other issues.

Mr. Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, abstained from the legislative meeting despite holding nearly full control. As per the South Korea’s central bank, North Korea’s economy contracted by an estimated 0.1 percent in 2021, the second consecutive year of loss, as domestic restrictions and international sanctions increased the isolated nation’s isolation. At the time, authorities asserted that the country had only seen 74 COVID fatalities, the lowest death toll ever recorded.