Kim Jong Un, the leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), has called on his country to embark on an 80-day campaign to attain its goals in every sector before a congress in January to decide a new five-year plan, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Tuesday. 

Kim made the announcement at a politburo meeting of the ruling Workers' Party on Monday. The meeting comes during a challenging year for the DPRK as the coronavirus pandemic puts more pressure on an economy hurt by recent storms and flooding. 

"We have performed historical feats with our costly efforts, boldly overcoming unprecedentedly grave trials and difficulties this year, but we should not rest on our laurels," KCNA said. "We still face the challenges that cannot be overlooked and there are many goals we have to attain within this year."

In August, Kim announced that the ruling party will hold a congress in January to decide a new five-year plan, with a party meeting noting serious delays in improving the national economy. 

Last year, Kim vowed to make a "frontal breakthrough" in the country's campaign to build a self-reliant economy in the face of tightening sanctions over its nuclear and missile programs. 

Saturday marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party. 

(With input from Reuters)