Tibet should accelerate its development and have more contact with its neighboring countries, not only in terms of facilities and trade, but also political and cultural exchanges. Qi Zhala, Chairman of Tibet Autonomous Region, said when talking about Tibet's role in the "Belt and Road" Initiative.

The Chairman emphasized that Tibet would make full use of opportunities given by the "Belt and Road" Initiative for economic and social development and carry out comprehensive, multi-faceted exchanges with other countries, so that Tibet will better integrate with the rest of the world.

As for cultural development for the region, Qi Zhala believes that outstanding traditional culture must keep up with the times and follow the development of the times. Tibetan culture is known to be an open culture both in history and at present. 

 

The picture shows a pilgrim on the Barkhor Street.

Taking the Barkhor Street as an example, Qi Zhala told the reporter that nowadays you could not only eat modern fast food, but also enjoy traditional sweet tea and Tibetan noodles here. Besides, Thangka stores and traditional Tibetan clothing shops can be seen everywhere. There's also a wide variety of Nepalese department stores, selling Nepalese bags, watches, snacks and other products.

"When goods are traded, culture exchanges are also involved – this is modernization. Tibet is not only opening up itself but also passing on its traditional culture," said Qi Zhala.

Qi Zhala pointed out that the Tibet intangible cultural heritage museum built through aid from south China's Shenzhen will be completed and open next year. The museum aims to develop, inherit and scale up Tibet's intangible cultural heritage products, so that new vitality can be brought into traditional culture.
 
In relation to some of Tibet's weaker intangible cultural heritage items and those with a less market competitiveness, Qi Zhala said that the government will provide guidance, cultivation and support to them.