Kim Jong Un called for the nationalization of raw materials in a statement to Pyongyang’s federation of trade unions, according to state media. File Photo by KCNA

SEOUL, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- Kim Jong Un called for an end to the worship of imports, calling the popular preference for foreign-made goods a "disease" that must be eradicated.

The North Korean leader, known for his fondness of French wine, Swiss watches and British fabrics, made the statement at the seventh assembly of the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea on Tuesday, in a letter titled "The contemporary mission of the working class of Kim Il Sung-Kim Jong Il", state-controlled news agency KCNA reported Thursday, local time.


GFTUK is the sole legal trade union federation in North Korea formed on November 30, 1945.

In the letter Kim said North Korean workers must "uphold the honor of the fatherland and the know-how of the people, and with pride and courage make with their own hands products better than [other countries], thereby eradicating the disease of imports."

Kim ordered the federation to put self-reliance first, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap.

"[Workers must] carry with them a firm belief in their own strength, raise high the spirit of self-reliance and struggle, and achieve the nationalization of raw materials, production technology while boldly modernizing production processes in order to create the highest level of socialist civilization," Kim stated.

Kim also said North Korea must support labor movements in South Korea and a path for unification must be opened while pursuing "solidarity" with various South Korean labor movements.

The gathering that took place from Oct. 25 to 26 at the People's Palace of Culture in Pyongyang marked the first time the federation had met in 35 years.

Kim has been seen at about 100 public events in 2016, marking a steady decline in his activities as leader.

According to data from South Korea's unification ministry and Yonhap, Kim was seen at 153 events in 2015, 172 in 2014 and 212 in 2013.