The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Jan. 15 adopted a 10-year economic development plan, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The country will also establish a special government body charged with overseeing implementation of strategic projects, the KCNA said.

This is the first time since 1997 the country has launched a comprehensive economic development plan, the media said, noting that the “10-Year State Strategic Plan for Economic Development" emphasises the significance of infrastructure construction, the development of agriculture and basic industries including power, coal, oil and metal industries and regional development.

It will also help lay a foundation for the country to emerge as a thriving nation in 2012 and open up a bright prospect for the country to rank among the advanced countries in 2020, the news agency said.

"When the above-said strategy plan is fulfilled, the DPRK will emerge not only a full-fledged thriving nation but take a strategic position in Northeast Asia and international economic relations," said the KCNA./.