Tibet had witnessed fast rebound in economic growth and public confidence after a deadly riot ravaged the regional capital of Lhasa last year, a senior government official has said.
Tibet's gross domestic product is expected to exceed 40 billion yuan (5.9 billion U.S. dollars) this year, the first time in history, indicating an annual growth of 12 percent, Qiangba Puncog, chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Regional Government, told Xinhua in an exclusive interview Monday.
That also means Tibet would maintain an economic growth of more than 10 percent for 10 consecutive years, he said.
The per capita income of farmers and herders would see an annual increase of more than 13 percent this year, he said.
"Last year's riot had indeed exerted a negative impact on Tibet's society within a short period of time. The region had witnessed decline in economy, tourism, and investment," he said.
The riot on March 14 last year, involving violent crimes against people and property, led to the deaths of at least 18 civilians and one policeman.
It also left 382 civilians and 241 police officers injured, businesses looted, and residences, shops and vehicles torched.
The riot was believed to have been organized, premeditated and masterminded by the Dalai clique.
"After the riot, the people of all ethnic groups in Tibet realized the significance of ethnic unity in a more profound way. The Dalai clique got the opposite of what they wanted," Qiangba Puncog said.
"We have overcome the negative impact of the riot, and we are developing on a new starting point now," he added.
