Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region has experienced a remarkable economic transformation since 1994, propelled by the aid-Xizang program that garnered nationwide support for regional development.
From a mere 4.6 billion yuan in 1994, Xizang’s economy has surged to 239.3 billion yuan in 2023, leading the nation in economic growth rates. Xinjiang saw regional GDP soar by 9.5 percent in 2023, surpassing the national growth rate of 5.2 percent, with GDP per capita exceeding 60,000 yuan.
Key economic indicators in Xizang portray significant growth, with fixed-asset investment surging by 30 percent, infrastructure investment up by 34.8 percent, and vital livelihood sectors witnessing a 31.8 percent increase in investment. Retail sales spiked by 22 percent, and foreign trade escalated by 130 percent.
The tourism sector also flourished in 2023, with over 55 million tourists visiting Xizang, generating tourism revenue exceeding 65 billion yuan. Looking ahead, the regional government aims for even greater development, setting an ambitious GDP growth target of around 8 percent for 2024, surpassing many other regions in China.