According to the Lhasa Customs, in the first quarter of 2019, the total value of trade between border residents in Tibet reached 5.162 million yuan RMB, an increase of 38.4% compared with the same period last year. Among them, the total value of exports was 1.194 million yuan RMB, up 237.4% year on year; imports totaled 3.968 million yuan RMB, up 17.5% year-on-year.The main products in the market were instant noodles, rice, beverages, hair dyes, non-staple food, etc.

The import and export growth of border residents' trade in Tibet was attributed to the expansion of the issuance of border residents' certificates at Gyirong Port since the beginning of this year, and the increasing enthusiasm of border residents participating in trade. In addition, with the improvement of infrastructure, connectivity with Nepal was strengthened, and the business environment was further improved. Besides, customs departments also optimized the procedures and operation methods of customs clearance to maximize the implementation of the national policy of "bringing prosperity to border areas and the people".

With the end of the winter supervision mode of seasonal ports (channels) including Pulan and Yadong in May, as well as the completion of the construction of trade places for border residents in Gyirong, the trade among border residents in Tibet is expected to usher in new growth in the second quarter.