PYONGYANG, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- Kim Jong Il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), has called on universities in the country to develop new science and technology, the official Korean Central News Agency reported on Sunday.

    While visiting Huichon University of Technology in Jagang province, Kim said universities should train more technicians and researchers to help further consolidate the foundation of the country's independent economy.

    Kim also paid visits to the Youth Electric Complex and Huichon Silk Mill, where he urged the factories to upgrade their production lines.

    Pak To Chun, chief secretary of the Jagang Provincial Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and Kim Ki Nam, secretary of the WPK Central Committee accompanied the top leader on the visits.

    The report did not specify the date of the visits.