Unification Minister Chung Dong-young says what North Korea needs confidence to abandon its nuclear program, join the world community and conduct economic reform.

In a parliamentary audit Wednesday, Chung was responding to worry over China's growing economic influence over the North.

Chung said Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to Pyongyang over the weekend and talks with the North's leader Kim Jong-il will help raise confidence.

He also predicted South Korea will soon overtake China in trade with North Korea.