BEIJING -- Xinjiang has made historic achievements in all undertakings over the past 70 years, a senior local official said on Friday.

The region is experiencing the best period of development in its history, marked by the most profound changes, and bringing the greatest benefits to the people of all ethnic groups, Erkin Tuniyaz, chairman of the regional government, said at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office.

A white paper titled "CPC Guidelines for Governing Xinjiang in the New Era: Practice and Achievements" was released at the press conference.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.