Actors perform at the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 28, 2023. Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, inaugurated in 2003, now serves as a key sightseeing and shopping destination, mainly selling local specialties such as dried fruits, medicinal herbs, carpets, jades, ethnic costumes and musical instruments.(Photo: Xinhua)

The door to Northwest China’s Xinjiang region is always open, and foreign people from all walks of life are welcome to visit and take a look at the region, Ma Xingrui, secretary of the Communist Party of China Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regional Committee said during a recent meeting with a delegation led by Corinne Vargha, director of the International Labour Standards Department, International Labour Organization (ILO) in Urumqi, according to Xinjiang-based Tianshannet on Wednesday.

Ma welcomed the delegation’s visit to Xinjiang region, and introduced the history, economy and society, ethnic and religious and other sectors to the visitors. 

For a period of time, anti-China forces in the US and other Western countries have ignored the region’s huge efforts to uphold human rights and the legitimate rights and interests of workers, but wantonly spread rumors and hype about the so-called “forced labor” issue, Ma said. They slandered the labor and employment security work, and used this as an excuse to impose sanctions on China’s Xinjiang region, Ma noted.

In fact, the rumors and accusations are inconsistent with the real situation in Xinjiang region, and infringe on the legitimate development interests of businesses operating in the region. The Communist Party of China has always adhered to the people-centered philosophy of development, Ma said.

Xinjiang region regards employment as the most important element in lifting quality of life for local people, and constantly expands employment channels, actively helps people of all ethnic groups to improve their employment prospects and income. All the employment is carried out in full compliance with the law, the market and the principles of respect for the will of individuals, according to Ma.

It’s hoped that the ILO representatives will gain a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the region’s economic and social development, employment and human rights protection, in a fair and objective manner, experience the real and beautiful Xinjiang of China, Ma said.

Erkin Tuniyaz, chairman of the people’s government of Xinjiang region also attended the meeting.