People visit the Potala Palace square in Lhasa, Southwest China's Xizang autonomous region, Feb 11, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

In the first two months of 2024, the total value of foreign trade imports and exports in the Xizang autonomous region was nearly 1.75 billion yuan ($243 million), representing a 264 percent increase year-on-year, which is the highest growth rate in the country, as reported by Xizang Daily.

Over the two months, exports reached 1.65 billion yuan, marking a 289 percent year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, imports were 98 million yuan, reflecting a 75 percent year-on-year increase, according to the Lhasa Customs.

Imports and exports with countries along the Belt and Road made up 1.18 billion yuan of the total, indicating a 159 percent increase.

In 2023, Lhasa Customs used its technical advantages for commodity inspection, providing over 30,000 technical inspection services throughout the year for highland specialty products and key agricultural and animal husbandry enterprises in the region.

This assistance has helped local highland products such as water, tea, milk, honey, mushrooms, incense, wool and cashmere compete in the international market.

Simultaneously, Lhasa Customs has reinstated passenger and cargo clearance services at the Gyirong, Zhangmu, and Burang ports. Additionally, the Letse Port has commenced operations, and international flight services have resumed at the Lhasa Gonggar Airport. All these developments have supported the growth of foreign trade in the region.

In 2023, the total import and export value between Xizang and the countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative reached 7.21 billion yuan, marking a 69.5 percent increase.