More than 400 representatives from over 20 countries on Tuesday gathered in Beijing to discuss the promotion of safety and health at work.

"This forum has become an important platform for China and other countries to tackle work safety issues," Chinese State Councilor Hua Jianmin told the third China International Forum on Work Safety.

"The forum will take up key issues in ensuring safety and health at work and gives all participants a tremendous opportunity to learn and exchange experiences," said director general of the International Labor Office, Juan Somavia, in a written message to the forum.

Hua said the Chinese government had always been mindful of work safety and the protection of workers' health.

"China is still faced with the arduous task of work safety as it is a developing country in the process of industrialization," Hua said.

Hua said the government had set specific objectives for work safety in its 11th five-year plan.

The theme of the two-day seminar is "Challenges and solutions on work safety in harmony with economic and social development".

Participants will discuss work safety in the context of industrialization, safety practices of the world's leading companies, emergency management and other topics.

The forum, a biennial event since 2002, was held by the State Administration of Work Safety of China and the International Labor Organization.

(Xinhua News Agency September 20, 2006)