Photo released by Korean Central News Agency on July 31, 2009 shows Kim Jong Il (L2), top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), inspecting a textile mill in Pyongyang, capital of DPRK, on July 30, 2009.  (Xinhua/KCNA) Photo Gallery>>>

    PYONGYANG, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Kim Jong Il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on Thursday called for a boost in production to build a prosperous and powerful country, the official KCNA news agency reported.

    All sectors of the country had been "launching a revolutionary upsurge" and the economy was "increasing rapidly," Kim said when visiting a textile mill in Pyongyang on the 63th anniversary of the promulgation of the Law on Sex Equality.

    He stressed that the date for building a "great prosperous and powerful nation" was drawing nearer.

    The DPRK should boost textile production to solve the clothing problem of the people, Kim said. It was an unshakable resolution and will of the Workers' Party of Korea to provide the people with better clothes.

    Kim also had talks with women model workers, saying Korean women had played an important role in the country's revolution and construction.