The Urumqi riot has damaged the local economy and social development more than the global financial crisis has, said Abudu Rezhake Tomur, Secretary of the Communist Party of China in the Xinjiang Social Science Academy.

"The July 5 riot in Urumqi has dealt a heavy blow to the local economy and social order and also destroyed people's daily lives in Xinjiang." Abudu Rezhake was quoted as saying during an interview with Xinhua news agency last Saturday.

As a Uygur expert studying Xinjiang's economy and society as well as ethnic minority issues in the region, Abudu said the riot demolished the foundation of economic development and impacted the region more than the world financial crisis that has disrupted the local economy.

According to Abudu Rezhake, solidarity among ethnic groups and the newly-built ethnic relationship — equality, solidarity, collaboration and harmony — are the foundations of the local economy and are jointly established and maintained by different ethnic groups in this region over the past 50 years.

"The economy will develop quickly and people's living standard will be greatly improved if society is at peace and solidarity and people of all ethnic groups live in harmony," Abudu said.

Xinjiang has undergone rapid economic and social development since the reform and opening-up policy in 1978, and people's living conditions have improved greatly.

To reduce the negative effects brought by the July 5 riot, Abudu Rezhake Tomur urged the government to take decisive and effective measures to fight crime and deal with the rioters.

On the other hand, "local residents should keep calm and contribute their share to restore Xinjiang's normal economic and social order," according to Abudu Rezhake. This way, people's confidence to invest and work in Xinjiang will be restored.

The Urumqi violence on July 7, 2009 has left at least 184 people dead and 1,680 others injured as of last Sunday, according to the government of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

(Chinadaily.com.cn July 14, 2009)