Kim Pong Yong, department director of the Ministry of Electric Power Industry, told KCNA that the New Year address makes economic officials of the country fully aware of their role.

The supreme leader in his New Year address called for dynamic advance of the electric-power, coal-mining and metallurgical industries and rail transport sector in the vanguard of the general offensive, he said, adding:

Bearing deep in minds his noble intention, we will increase electric-power output to the maximum by operating all power stations at full capacity and push ahead with a work to create more generating capacity. And we will stage a dynamic drive to make an effective use of natural energy and economize electricity.

Kim Il Nam, rector of the Tele-education College under Kim Chaek University of Technology, said:

My college produced first-term graduates last year and, on this basis, we will continue to improve the condition, environment and quality of education, thus turning out more competent graduates conducive to building a thriving nation.

Kang Yong Chol, minister of Fisheries, said:

I will do my best to put the fishing industry of the country on a higher level, as done by officials and fishermen in the fisheries run by the Korean People's Army who brought about the "spectacular scenery of a good catch of fish".

The ministry is planning to focus all its efforts on putting the fishing industry on a scientific basis, increase the number of days spent fishing at all fisheries and develop the offshore fish breeding and aquaculture in a big way this year.