Top political advisor stresses development in ethnic regions

Top political advisor Jia Qinglin has called for people in ethnic regions to adopt the successful experiences and methods of other parts of the country to aid in local development. Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks Friday while meeting with a minority group team visiting the capital under the organization of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission. The delegation consists of model grassroots officials and civilians as well as individuals awarded by the State Council in 2009 for their outstanding contributions to ethnic work. Their itinerary also includes trips to the coastal provinces of Zhejiang and Fujian. Jia described organizing people of minority groups to visit other parts of country as "a fine tradition" of the country's ethnic work and a significant measure for promoting ethnic unity and progress. He called upon group members to cherish the opportunity to communicate with local officials and civilians and learn from their successful experiences and methods to better promote economic and social development among ethnic regions. He also stressed that China is an unified multi-national state, and ethnic work affects the country's long-term security, social harmony and security, as well as people's health and welfare. According to Jia, the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which is due to convene in November, will point the direction to better ethnic work and advanced ethnic unity and progress.