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

    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.

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) Photo Gallery>>>

    "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.

Dotok, vice chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Regional Government, addresses the opening ceremony of the Second Forum on Tibet, in Rome, Italy, Oct. 22, 2009. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Wang recalled the achievements Tibet had made since it was liberated peacefully 50 years ago.

    He said the region had introduced democratic reform, abolished feudal serfdom and theocracy and witnessed "immense social changes with each passing day, with people's living standards enhanced greatly, and an unprecedented vitality for modernization has emerged".

    "Over the past 50 years, through special attention by the Central Government and support from other localities nationwide, people of all ethnic groups in Tibet have united in achieving economic and social development and their concerted efforts have resulted in them leap-frogging ahead," Wang said.

A participant of the Second Forum on Tibet walks past billboards about the education of children of China's Tibetan ethnic group, in Rome, Italy, Oct. 22, 2009. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Italian Cultural Minister Sen. Sandro Bondi said the forum would help further develop relations between Italy and China.

    The event and another culture activity next year, when Italy will celebrate Italy-China Year, would all be part of bilateral cooperation in culture, he said.

    Chair of the forum Cesare Romiti, president of Italy-China Foundation, echoed Bondi, saying the convention of the forum "is of great significance as it gives us an opportunity to know Tibet better."

A participant reads the "Report on the Economic and Social Development of Tibet" during the Second Forum on Tibet, in Rome, Italy, Oct. 22, 2009. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    It would not only promote bilateral ties and enhance mutual understanding of each other's culture and tradition, but also bring about a chance for future economic cooperation between Italy and China.

    More than 20 Chinese and foreign government officials, experts, scholars and entrepreneurs will address the forum on opportunities for cooperation in the economic, social and cultural sectors.

    Former Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti also addressed the opening ceremony of the forum, saying that to increase understanding of each other's culture and tradition at a time of globalization "is of increasingly important".

Former Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti addresses the opening ceremony of the Second Forum on Tibet, in Rome, Italy, Oct. 22, 2009.  (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini, who was unable to attend the event because of government duties, sent a letter to the meeting, congratulating the forum.

    The multilateral international academic forum is jointly sponsored by the State Council Information Office of China, Italy-China Foundation of Italy and the Chinese embassy in Italy.

    It is the second of its kind. The first was held in Vienna in November 2007.

    Paintings and drawings by Han and Tibetan artists on Tibetan scenery and customs will be exhibited in the Italian capital and Milan.

    Altogether, seven Chinese artists, including four Tibetans, led by Vice president of China Federation of Literacy and Art Circles Feng Yuan have come to the forum.

    They will display their works of art at Snow-Covered Plateau --Chinese Painting Works Exhibition, organized by China's State Council Information Office and Artists Association.

    The exhibition in Rome will start on Friday and last for one week with 60 paintings on display.

    In Milan, the week-long show will open on Oct. 26 with 58 paintings on display.