Tibet sees forty years of marked progress
By Hu Xiao (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-09-02 05:34
In a jointly signed telegram of congratulations, the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the State Council, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the Central Military Commission reaffirmed that the central government and other parts of the country will continue to support Tibet.
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The national flag of China is hoisted at the celebration meeting place in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005. [Xinhua] |
Tibet has entered a crucial period for the progress of its economy and long-term stability. Economic development is the focus of all work, and stability and development are two major tasks of the region, Jia told the gathering.
Jia - also chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC, China's top political advisory body - encouraged local officials and all ethnic groups in Tibet to pursue economic and social development to fulfil the increasing needs of Tibetan people and promote social harmony.
One of the startling changes in the past four decades is Tibet's rapid growth rate in gross domestic product (GDP). It has averaged 12.7 per cent for four years in a row, with the total GDP amounting to 21 billion yuan (US$258 million) last year.
The per-capita annual income of residents living in Tibetan cities and towns was 8,058 yuan (US$994) in 2004, 4.65 times that in 1985, and the annual income of its farming population has risen to 1,691 yuan (US$208) from 317 yuan (US$39) in 1985.
Jia said safeguarding the unification of the motherland and maintaining social stability are in the fundamental interests of Tibetan people.
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