Poverty alleviation was a highlight of the development of southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region with GDP growth by 9.1 percent in 2018.

Two Tibetan women try hats at a hat factory in Dranang county, Shannan, Oct. 9, 2018. The factory, established in 2013, employs 45 local villagers from impoverished households and surplus rural laborers. The workers earn more than 6,500 yuan on average per month. As the products of the factory are well-received by the market, this year, the factory plans to recruit more people, which means more job opportunities for impoverished farmers and herders. (Photo by Xinhua News Agency) 

Statistics indicated that a total of 181,000 people and 25 impoverished counties in the region were lifted out of poverty over the past year.

Tsering Tsoten is a deputy to the 13th National People’s Congress from a village in Biru county, Nagqu city of northern Tibet. The village, located at an altitude of 4,300 meters, suffers from harsh natural conditions.

Now, the village is connected to hardened roads, stable electricity, and clean water supply. In 2018, the per capita income of farmers and herdersin the village reached 13,300 yuan ( $1,981), marking complete elimination of poverty.

In 2018, over 200 major growers and poultry farmers, 80 agricultural enterprises, as well as 1,000 skilled people from inland regions came to Tibet Autonomous Region and offered technical assistance for 3,000 local farmers under the encouragement of Tibet government. In addition, a group of people who have grown rich were also invited to share their experiences.

This year, Tibet Autonomous Region is planning to increase farmers’ income by 13 percent.