The seventh China West Development Forum (CWDF) opened at the CPPCC auditorium in Beijing, December 29, 2007.

During the two-day event, government officials, scholars and entrepreneurs will discuss the East-West cooperation as well as further development of China's western regions.

Zhou Tienong, vice-chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of this forum. He hoped the forum would carry out investigation and research based on the actual demands of the western regions.

Cao Yushu, deputy director of the State Council Leading Group for Western Development, emphasized the importance of developing local special and predominant industries in the western regions while continuing to strengthen the construction of infrastructure facilities as well as to protect the environment.

According to Cao, the predominant industries of western regions include energy, mineral , equipment manufacturing, agricultural products processing, high-tech industry and tourism.

He also introduced the three key areas in the development of China’s west.

"We will make great efforts in develop the Chengdu-Chongqing economic belt, Guanzhong (a place in Shannxi Province) economic belt and the Pan-Beibu Gulf economic belt," said Cao in his remarks.

Famous economist Li Yiping from Renmin University addressed on the macro-economic situation of the country. He advised people including those living in the western regions to adapt to the tight monetary policy as soon as possible.

China West Development Forum was initiated in 1999 with the aim of providing a platform for discussion of relevant issues about the development of China’s west.

(chinadaily.com.cn December 31, 2007)