Affected by the international financial crises, Tibet's foreign trade volume shrank sharply in 2009. However, the border trade plays an important role and becomes a new economic growth point in Tibet economic development.

Photo from Tibet Daily shows Baiyang(L), a tourist from Lhasa is shopping in a tourist shop at Zham Port.

Ma Xiangcun, director of Tibet's Commerce Department said:" In the first 10 months this year, the border trade has accounted for 32 percent of total volume of foreign trade. The development of border trade can not only promote the restructuring of agriculture and animal husbandry in Tibet, but also boost the development of local characteristics industry and help farmers and herdsmen increase their incomes. In the future, we will focus on developing cross-border trade, promoting export of self-products, and highlighting the traditional border trade markets."

Meanwhile, in a move to develop passageways to overland trade in South Asia, Tibet plans to construct the Gyiron Port, develop Zham, Yadong, Burang and Riwu Ports.