国内英语新闻:Chinese vice president stresses development, opening-up of border areas

HARBIN, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan has underlined the development and opening-up of border areas, as well as stimulating the vitality of economic and social development.

During a tour in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province from Thursday to Friday, Wang said that the border areas should capitalize on their own characteristics, tap their potential, give full play to their advantages, and deepen the integration of their interests with those of neighboring countries and regions.

The border areas should protect the environment, explore historical and cultural resources, pass down excellent national culture, find new sources of economic growth, and constantly enhance the people's sense of gain, Wang said.

"We should open the door wider to the outside world in the field of science and technology, strengthen scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation, make full use of international innovative resources, and strengthen innovation partnerships," he said.

Efforts should also be made to promote cultural and educational exchanges, deepen understanding of the history and reality of the East and the West, promote mutual learning among civilizations, and consolidate the support for building a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang added.