The United Nations Development Program says it's closely watching progress in China's ethnic minority regions. The UNDP told the State Ethnic Affairs Commission that it plans to work with China in areas such as poverty reduction and culture protection.

The UNDP representative held talks with Li Dezhu, the minister in charge of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission. The representative spoke of the UNDP's interest in the development of China's ethnic minority groups.

Khalid Malik said the UNDP has plans for several projects. They include five pilot centers for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment as well as a seminar in Tibet on protecting ethnic minority cultures and promoting cross-border trade.

About half of China's 50 million people in the low-income bracket live in ethnic minority regions. Poverty reduction and economic development are the most pressing concerns in these areas.

(CCTV.com April 3, 2004)