Modernization of the Tibet autonomous region will contribute to the protection of traditional Tibetan culture, experts said at a conference on Tibet's development in Lhasa on Thursday.

More than 130 scholars, officials and correspondents from more than 30 countries and regions were in attendance at the 2016 Forum on the Development of Tibet, hosted by the State Council Information Office and the regional government.

Discussions at the two-day event focused on topics including the industrial modernization of Tibet, preserving tradition, environmental protection and poverty relief. Participants also took field trips around Lhasa and nearby areas before the forum opened on Thursday.