Tibetan lawmaker meets US counterpart

A Tibetan deputy to China's top legislature met US Congressman David Valadao in San Francisco on Wednesday to promote relations between the two countries.

Shingtsa Tenzinchodrak, head of a three-member delegation from the National People's Congress and vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of the Tibet autonomous region, arrived in the city on Tuesday on a mission to boost exchanges and understanding.

During their meeting at the Chinese consulate, Shingtsa Tenzinchodrak told Valadao that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Tibet autonomous region and dramatic achievements have been made in that half-century.

"Fundamental changes have taken place in people's livelihoods, healthcare, employment and environmental protection with the help of the central government and the other provinces," said the Tibet legislator, who is also a living Buddha of the Kagyu Sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

China's leaders are focusing on Tibet's development at a time when the region is enjoying major opportunities for economic and social development, he said.

Last year, Tibet's GDP reached 92.5 billion yuan ($14.9 billion), a 12 percent year-on-year increase that extended the region's record of double-digit growth to a 21st consecutive year.

Valadao, who represents California's 21st congressional district, welcomed the delegation and expressed his interest in learning more about Tibet.

He told Shingtsa Tenzinchodrak that his district is agriculturally rich and he is personally involved in the dairy industry.

Farmers in his district export a large amount of produce, including walnuts, almonds, cherries and strawberries, to China every year, said Valadao.

The district includes Kings County and portions of Fresno, Tulare, and Kern counties. Fresno is one of the nation's most agriculturally rich counties and exports oranges, almonds, raisins and cotton. Valadao said China is one of California's most important trading partners, and the two sides have made rapid progress in economic cooperation.

He said he will work to promote further communication and cooperation between businesses in his district and their Chinese counterparts.

Shingtsa Tenzinchodrak, on his second trip overseas - he visited Canada in 2009 - is also tasked with introducing the real Tibet to US citizens by dispelling misunderstandings about the region.

The NPC sent its first delegation of Tibetan deputies overseas in 2009, and a total of 10 such delegations have visited the US, Canada, Brazil and other countries.

liazhu@chinadailyusa.com