“In the past, necessities such as food and clothing made up the majority of living expenses among the rural population of the Tibet Autonomous Region. But recently, there has been a growing percentage of expenses in service-related industries such as fitness, traveling, beauty and so on.” Gelsang Drolma, deputy director and researcher of socioeconomics at the China Tibetology Research Center in Beijing, explains to the journalist. “This diversification of daily expenses shows that the average household income level and standard of living is improving among the Tibetan population.”

“A lot of ‘secrets’ can be revealed from the fattening wallets of these citizens.” Gelsang Drolma continues, “this rapid growth of household income is the result of healthy industry behaviors that promote a wider range of sources of income, especially for those who once relied solely on profits from husbandry.”

“Due to its geographic location on the plateau, the primary industry of the Tibet Autonomous Region had always been husbandry (farming and livestock). Therefore, sources of income were restricted, and a large number of farmers and herders were confined to their lands.” Gelsang Drolma explains. “In the forty years since the implementation of reform and opening-up, the three dominant industries underwent gradual expansion and consistent optimization. Accompanying this rapid economic growth, Tibet’s literacy rate and overall standard of living were enhanced as well.”

“Prior to poverty eradication, revenues from production operations in traditional husbandry industry made up most of the population’s household income, followed by transfer payments such as various government subsidies. Currently, however, wage and salary-based income is on the rise, while the aforementioned ratio decreases.” Gelsang Drolma further explains. “Aside from industry diversification, the Tibet Autonomous Region rigorously supports the processing industry, with a focus on technological input and advancement, R&D, as well as supply chain expansion.”

“In recent years, the region has been exploring the green industry initiative while boosting tertiary economy and agriculture native to its geography. For example, renewable energy, natural drinking water, processing of agricultural products, and ethnic handcrafts are just some of the many modern industries of regional specialty that are advocated today. Transforming resources to economic opportunities – determining emerging market needs, making changes, establishing specialization and advantages – is the key to what we call ‘Plateau Economics’”. Gelsang Drolma explains to the journalist.

Now that solar panels sparkle beneath the sun with large-scale livestock farms appearing one after the other, the rapid development of the Tibet Autonomous Region’s economy has improved and diversified the lives of all farmers and herders in Tibet. Gelsang Drolma confidently remarks, “as an essential piece in the chess match of China’s collaborative development strategy, the Tibet Autonomous Region’s socioeconomic and overall industry development will continue to enrich and flourish. Citizens will definitely be adding to the weight of their wallets on their thriving journey in the pursuit of happiness.”