Forum on development of China's Tibet opens in Rome

ROME, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- A two-day forum on economic, cultural and social development in China's Tibet opened here on Thursday.

Wang Chen, minister of the Information Office of the State Council of China, addresses the opening ceremony of the Second Forum on Tibet, in Rome, Italy, Oct. 22, 2009. (Xinhua Photo)

The forum, Tibet: Development Prospects and Cooperation Opportunities, has attracted more than 400 participants from China, Italy, Austria, the United States, India, Australia, Spain and Belgium.

"This is not only an event of significance in the economic cooperation and cultural exchange between China and Italy, but also a grand meeting of international Tibetologists on the study of issues related to the development of Tibet in modern times," Wang Chen, Minister of the State Council Information Office of China, said at the opening ceremonies.

He said the forum was an important component in friendly communication between China and Italy.

"It is bound to play a role in promoting mutual understanding and enhancing friendship between our two peoples, in furthering China-Italy cooperation and exchange in economic, social and cultural fields, and in enriching and deepening the long-existing friendship between our two countries," the minister said.