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Forum on development of China's Tibet concludes in Rome

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-10-24 01:29

ROME: A two-day forum on economic, cultural and social development in China's Tibet ended here on Friday.

A joint statement issued at the end of the forum, the second of its kind, hailed the event as a success in promoting understanding of the Chinese central government's policies in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and the region's development in all sectors.

Fifty years of development have "greatly improved the life of Tibetan people," the participants agreed. The forum drew more than 400 participants from China, Italy, Austria, the United States, India, Australia, Spain and Belgium.

During the forum, there were in-depth discussions on a wide range of topics related to the development in Tibet, including economic reforms, cultural and environmental protection, education, health care and tourism, according to the document, known as the Rome Statement.

Over 20 Chinese and foreign government officials, experts, scholars and entrepreneurs delivered speeches at the forum on the development of China's TAR, as they explored opportunities for cooperation in various sectors.

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"All the participants from the TAR were directly involved in the development of Tibet," the statement said.  "All of them are the decision makers, promoters and participants of the development of Tibet."

They elaborated on the Chinese central government's policies in Tibet, the region's development in various aspects, as well as the opportunities, challenges and the prospects of the modernization drive in Tibet, according to the document.

Many participants from other countries have visited Tibet several times and they have had in-depth research on the development of Tibet.

"Based on their experiences and research, they shared their views on the modernization development of Tibet from different perspectives and put forward many constructive ideas and suggestions," the statement said.

"Development is the common goal of all countries and regions worldwide," it said. "It is in line with the fundamental interests of the Tibetan people."

The forum helped the participants to better understand the consistent efforts made by the Chinese government in modernizing Tibet and formulating people-oriented policies, it noted.

"The forum can help promote better and faster development of Tibet, which will benefit people of various ethnic groups in Tibet," it concluded.

Business leaders from China and Italy also discussed economic, social and cultural exchanges and cooperation.

Wang Chen, minister in charge of the State Council Information Office of China, led the Chinese delegation.

The academic forum was jointly sponsored by the State Council Information Office of China, the Italy-China Foundation and the Chinese embassy in Italy. The first forum was held in Vienna in November 2007.

An exhibition featuring some 60 paintings by Han and Tibetan artists on Tibet's natural scenery and customs will open later Friday in Rome.