Abstract: Tibet Autonomous Region is the sole provincial-level region in China which still has concentrated areas of poverty. Overcoming poverty is consequently a cardinal task of the government of the autonomous region. To give full play to transportation's fundamental function of poverty relief and development, the Transportation Department of Tibet Autonomous Region has set itself certain guidelines in its building of rural highways which consist in pinpointing targets, organizing projects, and effective fund utilization. With determination, clear thinking, specific measures, and determination, we will eradicate poverty through transportation construction, so enabling the residents of all poverty-stricken areas to live relatively comfortable lives.

I. Insist upon Shared Development to Build a Moderately Prosperous Society

The "five development ideas" and their strategic deployments put forward during the Fifth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee consist not only in a summary of historical experience since the Reform and Opening-up policy came into effect in 1978, but also a scientific judgment of China's development in a new environment. They show that the country has achieved new heights in its pattern of building socialism with Chinese characteristics against a new historical backdrop. Among the ideas, that of shared development in particular connotes the building of a moderately prosperous society, wherein comprehensive wellbeing is commonly shared. To achieve this goal in the projected time frame, it is imperative that we follow the principle of shared development, as well as that of development for the people, by the people, for the shared benefit of the people, so enhancing the development momentum and people's solidarity in their steady advance towards common prosperity.

The 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020) is critical to building a moderately prosperous society and eradicating poverty. The path of shared development is a major cornerstone that is decisive to the completion and quality of this strategic goal. Overcoming poverty through transportation construction requires unswerving adherence to the concept of shared development. In setting adequate transportation as a basic target, and realization of people's fundamental interests as a springboard and foothold, our aim is to build broad roads and achieve a well-off life, so becoming prosperous and open to the outside world. We should strive to improve transportation infrastructure and services in poverty-stricken areas and make equitable public services accessible, so enabling the people to share in the new transportation development achievements.

II. Insist on Problem-orientated, On-target Program Planning

As President Xi Jinping has emphasized, "precision" is the essence and focus of poverty relief and development. The Tibet Transportation Department has closely combined its orientation as regards the objective reality of the region and its problems and demands, and the requirements of the people as a whole, by synchronizing transportation development with new-type countryside construction, and developing characteristic industries and poverty alleviation through relocation. In focusing on quality, efficient transport it has thus coordinated the harmonious development of urban and rural areas.

It is important to deepen departmental interaction, set up a coordination mechanism, and beef up communication among relevant departments, such as the Development and Reform Commission and Poverty Relief Office, as well as those dealing with finance, territorial resources, environmental protection, forestry, construction, and tourism. Based on practical development, we will make an in-depth analysis of the root causes of poverty, rationally confirm targets and key points, formulate accurate supportive polices and measures, and ensure goal implementation. We will moreover carry out investigations and surveys, and build quality, sturdy roads and bridges, meanwhile keeping pace with construction demands by specifying construction content, investment scale, targets, and measures.

III. Innovate the Development Concept, Heighten Efficiency

Innovate and promote poverty alleviation concepts. By combining transportation with ecotourism, e-commerce, and logistics, we will highlight its function of supporting characteristic industries. From 2016 to 2020, therefore, we will intensify road construction in order to optimize resources, industry, and tourism, so rationally strengthening the capacity of poverty-stricken areas to undertake industry transfers and translate superior resources into economic advantages.

Innovate the poverty alleviation policy. We will, according to different development levels, formulate different policies whose designs correspond to reality, and which embody equity and efficiency. When formulating the annual rural highway construction plan, we will take all factors into consideration, giving prominence to key points. By closely integrating poverty relief with development planning, we will initially resolve transportation problems in 36 designated poverty-stricken counties and, in the allocation of funds, give overall consideration to the transportation requirements of other impoverished counties in rural areas.

Innovate the poverty alleviation mechanism. We will strive towards the "four priorities" of our funding and project arrangements, namely, giving priority to anti-poverty projects, to poverty alleviation funding, to allocating funds from the Agricultural Development Bank of China, and to coordinating poverty-relief work. We should also bear in mind when undertaking projects and policy adjustments the reality and rational needs of poor areas.

Innovate the construction mode. Throughout transportation development we must take full account of the ecological environment and stick to the principles of "ecology first, protection first, and integrated conservation and construction" and "cause no damage, little disturbance, and promote rapid recovery." During the course of planning and construction, we should adjust all measures to local conditions, and rationally confirm development schemes and technical standards under the premise of safety.

IV. Precisely Deploy and Promote the Transportation Aspect of Poverty Alleviation

At this critical period in the building of a moderately prosperous society in an all-around way, poverty eradication in Tibet has hit the home stretch. Transportation possesses the essential attributes of fundamentality and guidance. The improvement and promotion of transportation infrastructure is the primary course through which poverty-stricken areas can overcome poverty and achieve prosperity. Only by improving transportation standards can we lay solid foundations for the region's economic and social development, and so enable its peoples to share in the fruits of reform and development.

We will hence give play to the leading role of transportation, propel the program in a planned way, and fulfill our targets, tasks, duties, and policies.

V. Pay Equal Attention to Highway Construction and Maintenance

Rural highway construction is vital to promoting the economic and social development of poverty-stricken areas. Rural highway construction will drive the development of featured townships and new rural construction, and accelerate new urbanization and the traffic flow between urban and rural areas. Road construction thus not only connects people's hearts, but also generates prosperity.

If it can be said that highway construction creates wealth, then maintenance management protects wealth. In abiding by the concept wherein "both construction and conservation serve development," we can ensure the enduring service of highway construction to agricultural and pastoral economic development, and prolonged stability.

VI. Conclusion

The 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020) is critical to Tibet and to the country's building of a moderately prosperous society and eradicating poverty. Rural highways shoulder the important task of supporting economic development, improving people's livelihood, and promoting social harmony. Under the leadership of the autonomous region's Party committee and government, the Transportation Department of Tibet will make a precise plan and set the goal of total poverty eradication and building a moderately prosperous society. With rural highways as the breakthrough point to overcoming poverty via transportation construction, we will step up transportation infrastructure construction in poverty-stricken areas, proactively promote transportation services, and strengthen security assurance and maintenance management, so providing basic support for and an unequivocal guarantee of achieving the goal of building a moderately prosperous society.

(Chen Zhao , Deputy Director-General, Transportation Department of Tibet Autonomous Region)