Mr. Li Zhong Xie - Chinese State Ethnic Commission on Item VII and VIII Madam Chairperson, ladies and gentlemen and friends, I have the pleasure to participate in this forum to discuss in depth the important topic of minorities in effective participation and economic life. China has always been committed to promoting rapid development and human rights progress among minorities and [has found roads] with Chinese characteristics for them to participate. China has always adhered to equality among all ethnic groups and guaranteed their equal rights in political, economic and cultural and social life. The special rights of ethnic minorities under particular protection, China has always adhered to the unity among all ethnic groups. Activities are carried out extensively to raise awareness of ethnic unity to promote good practice and progress. Contradictions and problems affecting ethnic unity are handled properly in order to create sound environment of minorities to participate in economic life. China has adhered to and made efforts to improve the system of ethnic regional autonomy. Ethnic minorities are masters of their lives. China has always been committed to assisting ethnic minorities in speeding up their development. Various special national programs are implemented such as the Western Development Strategies and programs to support the development of minority groups with a small population. China has always been committed to enriching and developing minority cultures. Priority has been given to developing minority education spoken and written language, as well as the protection of their cultural heritage. China has always been endeavoured in developing human resources among ethnic minorities by building training bases, centres at universities for minorities and agreed attention is paid to training and then selecting cadres from our reviews. China has always been making efforts to strengthen institution building for minority work. The ruling party and the state legislative administrative and other institutions all have specialised units. The statistical and monitoring system is put in place, the policies and laws are adjusted and improved in time. The supervision and inspection are strengthened by regular evaluation. [not clear] ethnic minorities in China have witnessed gradually expansion in employment, steady increase in social security level, constant rising education, remarkable improvement in lives, and annual decrease in poverty. AT current rate they are at the best development in China. And as a development country China faces many challenges in speeding up the development of minorities who account for the population of over 100 million. China will as always endeavour to scientific development, social equity and justice, implement the principles of human rights respect and protection and learn from countries around the world in order to make renewed and greater efforts for new progress in our modernisation and human rights cause. Thank you.