Speaking at a recent conference on supporting small ethnic groups, Hui said the central government would stick to its regional ethnic autonomy system, and make stepped-up efforts to boost the comprehensive development in regions dominated by ethnic minorities.

    Small ethnic groups refer to those with a population less than 100,000 in China. The country boasts 22 such ethnic groups out of a total of 56.

    Hui said China has always focused on equality, unity, mutual aid and harmony in its ethnic policies, to achieve common prosperity for all ethnic groups.

    The country's ethnic policies have won support from all its people, he said.

    "History tells us unity comes with blessings, while disunity with woes," he said, urging that the current hard-won ethnic unity must be cherished.

    He said the government would increase support for small ethnic groups in 2009 and 2010, by accelerating modernization of agricultural technologies in ethnic regions.

    The income of ethnic farmers and herdsman should be increased, while education, culture, social security, hygiene services and infrastructure should be improved in those regions.

    Authorities should also protect the environment in ethnic regions, and provide training for people of ethnic minorities to enhance their development capabilities, Hui said.