North Korea designated this year as the “year of light industry” in an effort to increase consumer goods production and enhance the lives of the people. In addition， a June 23 editorial in the Rodong Sinmun reiterated the importance of science and technology for building a strong and powerful nation and improving the lives of citizens.
Science and technology was mentioned as one of the three pillars for building a strong and powerful nation -- the other two being ideology and advanced weaponry.
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