Source: CCTV.com

03-28-2008 10:49

Special Report:   3.14 Tibet Riots

Ethnologists say China's policies of reform and opening up have stimulated the economic development of Tibet.

In recent years, the rapid expansion of Tibetan economy has significantly benefited local residents.
In recent years, the rapid expansion of Tibetan economy
has significantly benefited local residents. (CCTV.com)

In recent years, the rapid expansion of Tibetan economy has significantly benefited local residents.

Experts say that under the government strategy to develop the western regions, the Tibetan economy has been grown under its fastest pace in recent years.

Hao Shiyuan, Chinese Acadamy of Social Sciences, said, "The total GDP of Tibet was 34 billion yuan in 2007. And its per capital GDP has exceeded 12 thousand yuan, higher than the average level of the country."

Sherab Nyima, Deputy Dean of Central Univ, of Nationalities, said, "The average income for urban residents was 89 hundred yuan in 2006, up 13 percent from 2002. And the average income for farmers and herders was 24 hundred yuan, up 37 percent from 2002. These figures reflect the improved economy of Tibet."

Since the Qinghai-Tibet railway started operation in 2007, the local tourism sector has been promoted significantly.

Hao Shiyuan, Chinese Acadamy of Social Sciences, said, "The tourist volume to Tibet exceeded 4 million last year. The revenues from the tourism industry have helped finance local budgets."

China carried out a project in 2006 to settle down farmers and herders in Tibetan. So far, over 110 thousand farmers and herders are living in new homes.

Hao Shiyuan, Chinese Acadamy of Social Sciences, said, These homes are well designed in traditional Tibetan style. Beside, they are equipped with tap water, fireproofing, and electricity. The whole project will be finished in the 11th five year plan.

While the economy is growing, the education of Tibetan people is also being improved. Now the region has set up a modern education system, as well as a sound health care system.

The illiteracy ratio is now below 10 percent, compared with 95 percent in the early 1950s.

 

Editor:Zhang Pengfei