Xi stressed at the meeting the need to encourage the flow of capital, technologies and labor-intensive sectors from the eastern regions to the central and western regions, and from cities to hinterland regions.

He laid out requirements for the economic belt region to press ahead with high-level opening-up, proactively explore new sectors and channels for international economic cooperation, and make pioneering efforts in institutional innovation.

Yue Shujing, a professor at Southeast University's School of Economics and Management, said that the Yangtze River Economic Belt, with its robust manufacturing sector and booming international trade, has also emerged as a key gateway for China's opening-up and a key pillar for the Belt and Road Initiative.

Innovation will be a key factor in driving the region's future growth and opening-up, Yue said.

"Innovation has already reshaped the role of the region in the international market, and will continue to help refine the structure in its foreign trade and investment and improve its position in the global value chain," he added.