A: In 2000, the national economy of Tibet Autonomous Region achieved rapid, sustained and healthy development, and completed the Ninth Five Year Plan and development goals set at the Third Forum on the Work of Tibet of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. According to estimates, the autonomous region achieved a GDP of 11.65 billion yuan in 2000, an increase of 9.3 percent over the previous year. In 2000, the net per capita income of farmers and herdsmen was 1,25 yuan and the disposable personal income (DPI) of urban citizens was 6,385 yuan, an increase of 5.3 percent and 6.5 percent respectively over the previous year.
Tibet has carried out comprehensive development in agriculture and animal husbandry, and has vigorously promoted technology applications. Structural adjustment in agriculture and animal husbandry has been accelerated. In 2000, the output of grain reached a level of 946,700 tons, a bumper harvest for the 13th year in succession. Animal husbandry also achieved sustained growth, with meat and milk production increasing by 2.8 percent and 5.4 percent and 5.4 percent respectively. The output value of township enterprises reached 770 million yuan and the income from diversified economy is estimated to reach 900 million yuan, an increase of 18.5 percent and 12.5 percent respectively.
The management of Tibet's industrial enterprises was greatly enhanced. In 2000 the autonomous region realized a total industrial output value of 1.792 billion yuan, an increase of 8.2 percent over the previous year. The sales of major industrial products, such as electric power and beer, also increased increased to a certain degree compared with the previous year. Targets for the reform of state-owned enterprises were basically realized.
The tertiary industry continued to develop rapidly, achieving an added value of 5.38 billion yuan, an increase of 12.2 percent over the previous year. The total business volume of the region's posts and telecommunications increased 3.3 percent over the previous year. Tibet received altogether 550,000 Chinese and overseas tourists in 2000, achieving a total business income of 630 million yuan, an increase of 22 percent and 11 percent respectively over the previous year. The total volume of imports and exports reached US$ 132 million, and exports increased 30.2 percent.
Infrastructure construction was strengthened, and the construction of key projects proceeded smoothly. Total investment in fixed assets realized 6.658 billion yuan, an increase of 17.6 percent over the previous year. A series of key projects concerning energy, transportation, communications, and water conservancy were constructed and put into operation.