A modern logistic center is built up in Nagqu [Photo by Rao Chunyan]

Southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region aims to develop three interdependent economic zones in central, eastern and western Tibet respectively in the 12th Five-Year Plan period. The three zones will function differently according to their own advantages.

The central zone, including Lhasa, Shigatse, Lhoka and Nyingchi, embraces the great ambition of becoming an international tourist destination as well as an important comprehensive economic center in China's western region.

The eastern zone, bordering with Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces, is expected to become part of the Sichuan-Chongqing economic circle, specializing in agriculture and animal husbandry, handicraft and Tibetan medicine industries.

Positioned as a window to South Asia, the western economic zone will concentrate on establishing a frontier trade market while paying attention to ecological protection.

Tibet is expected to make new headway thanks to the fast growing regional economy. 

An airplane lands safely at the airport in remote Ngari. [Photo by Rao Chunyan]

Various Tibetan medicines are displayed for visitors in a medicine factory in Qamdo. [Photo by Rao Chunyan]