Religious freedom and cultural heritage are being well safeguarded in Tibet, said a senior official yesterday.

"We have never lost sight of protecting the Tibetan cultural heritage and freedom for Tibetans to practice their own religion," said Tibet Autonomous Region Chairman Qiangba Puncog, in Hong Kong to attend the week-long "China Tibetan Cultural Week" that began on Friday.

Buddhism is deeply rooted in Tibet's culture and has played an important role in building a more harmonious society, he said. "The majority of Tibetans are Buddhists, and Buddhism teaches its followers to be benevolent. This will help achieve greater harmony and stability in society."

Qiangba Puncog vowed to intensify the local government's efforts to accelerate Tibet's development, build a harmonious society and ensure long-term stability.

"In the span of 50 years or so, Tibet has risen from darkness and poverty and has achieved great economic development and modernization. This is a historic achievement when you look at Tibet's past. Tibetans are now more united than ever in the effort to build a more advanced and harmonious society," he told a press conference.

The GDP of Tibet has witnessed a double-digit annual growth during the past ten years. Qiangba Puncog said the central government had placed great importance on Tibet's development and modernization drive.

The local government will focus on the development of natural industries such as coal mining, he said. And investment in the region will continue to increase with the establishment of a comprehensive railway system.

"Tibet has witnessed tremendous changes in the past few decades, with new facilities being built everywhere, including a modern transport infrastructure, digital communications, new education measures and improved hospital facilities," he said.

"A harmonious society will promote more economic prosperity in Tibet and the autonomous region must have a stable political atmosphere to achieve these important goals. Narrowing the gap between the rich and poor is also a priority of the government," he said.

He urged the peoples of Tibet and Hong Kong to work together for the greater good of the nation.

"The peoples of Tibet and Hong Kong are members of one big family and we must use our dedication, sincerity and intelligence to build a better tomorrow for China."

(HK Edition 07/19/2005 page2)