S. Korea questions N. Korea’s ‘modernized’ plants outside of Pyongyang in long-term

South Korea's unification ministry on Tuesday questioned the feasibility of North Korea's project to build factories in a move to develop backward provinces. North Korea kicked off a project earlier this year to build modernized factories in 20 counties over the next decade to raise the "basic material and cultural living standards of the people." Disclosing satellite images of North Korea, the ministry in charge of inter-Korean affairs stated that while the exterior of the plants may be completed by the end of the year, there are lingering questions about whether they will operate in the long-term. "Since it is the first project, they might build something by the end of this year," a ministry official told reporters on condition of anonymity, adding that it looks like many North Korean residents are being mobilized for the construction. The official, however, said there is little possibility that the plants could operate in the long-term, citing various obstacles, such as chronic power shortages and a l ack of supplies. "While the building exteriors may be completed, it is uncertain if the factories will operate smoothly," the official said. The official said there is a high possibility that the plants will not be much different from conventional ones that entirely depend on basic labor. The official noted that while there is a possibility of more raw materials or facilities being brought into North Korea from China or Russia, there is currently no concrete information. Source: Yonhap News Agency