Tangible Progress Achieved in Tibet: OfficialThe past six years recorded the fastest development in the history of Tibet, said Legqog, chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region, in a recent interview with Xinhua.The region's GDP has surpassed 10 billion yuan (US$1.20 billion). Its economic growth rate exceeded the national average rate for six consecutive years, he said. Tibet has reaped a bumper grain harvest for 13 years and is now self-sufficient in grain, edible oil and meat. The number of people living below the poverty line has reduced from 480,000 in 1995 to 70,000. Construction of 105 key projects built with assistance from 15 provinces and autonomous regions has completed. The mileage of highways in Tibet now totals 25,000 kilometers. Outlining development in the upcoming five years, Legqog said the growth rate of the region's GDP is expected to reach 12 percent. Its per capita GDP will be in the forefront of western China and reach the national average level by 2010. Tibet is to energetically develop tourism, Tibetan medicine production, animal by-product processing, handicrafts and mining industries. |
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