Region 'should unleash potential'

China's broad northeastern border areas could unleash significant potential by furthering reform and opening-up, said Wei Jianguo, secretary-general of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges.

Russia, South Korea and Japan all are important trading partners and the northeastern border areas have unique regional advantages. However, the development strategy for the region has been a bit conservative and should shift to a more open-minded one in a time of peace, he said.

"China's economy is highly complementary with the Far East area in terms of trade advantages, but the potential hasn't been fully explored," said Wei.