As the title implies I'm curious on the economic development of Manchukuo during its existence as a Japanese puppet, from what I've heard it was to be an industrial powerhouse in Asia had the war not started, what was its output at its height? Did it rival Japan or China? What cities/regions were major centers?
Under the Manchukuo 5 years development plan(満州産業開発五カ年計画), group of bureaucracy and military person "Niki Sansuke(弐キ参スケ)" including [Nobusuke Kishi] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nobusuke_Kishi)
managemented to puppet country.
Common belief said the target of the plan could not be achieved cause priority to the food demand due to the war in China.Then the major part of effort for industrial development has been abandoned in 1941 and it moved its emphasis on agriculture.But according to a recent study of Manchuria economy is now also clear that had evolved little by little during war in Pacific.
If you are interested in numbers and charts, this paper will be helpful.1940s Manchukuo industry (sorry in Japanese language)