Following China's national drive to speed up the development of western China, the Tibet Autonomous Region recorded rapid economic growth last year. The results were announced at a recent national conference on Tibet's economy.

Statistics from the national conference on Tibet's economy indicate GDP in the region last year reached nearly 16 billion yuan, or nearly 2 billion US dollars. That's up 12 percent on the previous year. The government's massive campaign to develop its western regions is a major engine for economic growth. Last year, the central government invested more than 1 billion US dollars in the region's transport projects. With railways and highways built, tourism and trade flourished.

Li Guoyong, director of Development and Planning Commission, Tibet Autonomous Region, said: "Investment from the central government and other provinces has helped the region's economy grow quickly. In the year 2003, investment to Tibet will continue and the figure is expected to reach 10 billion yuan."

In the next three years, over 100 infrastructure projects including a hydro power station, two airports and a broadcast and television network will get underway. Infrastructure investment is not the only contributor to economic growth. Tourism has become a key industry in Tibet, generating more than 100 million dollars last year, hitting a historic growth high of 29 percent. A series of cultural and tourism events were staged at home and overseas to attract more visitors to the region. The local government is also giving priority to developing industries like Tibetan medicine and green food. As these products flow into the market, more money can reach Tibetan farmers' pockets.





From tibetinfor