Photo shows Penpa Lhamu introducing the collection of books from the Xizang Autonomous Region Academy of Social Sciences to the reporters.

As a Tibetan female Ph.D. who grew up in China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Penpa Lhamu was transferred from Xizang to the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in 2021 to engage in South Asian studies. "Working in the 'national team' of philosophical and social science research, these four years have felt like completing another undergraduate degree," she quipped. Yet through this experience, she has also gained new insights into Xizang's talent cultivation model, particularly in nurturing talents with international perspectives.

Based on her daily duties, research, and visits, Penpa Lhamu said that Xizang's ongoing efforts to advance high-level opening-up are increasingly becoming a major opportunity and highlight for its high-quality development.

The three major ports to Nepal—Gyirong, Zham, and Burang—are operating efficiently and smoothly. The Legze Port is in operation. Lhasa Gonggar International Airport adds a new international flight route. All seven cities and prefectures in Xizang are engaged in international trade, with over 2,000 types of trade items.

Penpa Lhamu noted, "during festivals, specialty goods from neighboring countries like Nepal and Pakistan are now commonplace in Xizang." She emphasized that Xizang as a vital gateway for China's opening-up to South Asia, the expansion and acceleration of cross-border trade and international exchanges will significantly heighten demand for talents in related fields.

During this year's National Two Sessions, Penpa Lhamu submitted a proposal focused on strengthening Xizang's talent pool for international engagement, aligning with the region's high-level opening-up. She stressed that Xizang has unique advantages in geographical location and policies for promoting high-quality development and advancing high-level opening up. Building a reserve of specialized talent, she added, is crucial for Xizang to better integrate into the Belt and Road Initiative.

With Xizang's modern education system maturing, Penpa Lhamu suggested that relevant authorities to prioritize both attracting external talent and cultivating local professionals. She called for fostering internationally-minded talents tailored to Xizang's deepening cross-border exchanges and cooperation, thereby providing solid talent support to underpin the region's high-quality development.

"Local talent is indispensable as the backbone of the high-quality development of the local economy," said Penpa Lhamu. As a witness and beneficiary of Xizang's talent cultivation efforts, she is full of expectations for more local talents to strive and become the "new force" driving high-quality development.

Reporter: Tenzin Phuntsok, Tseten Yangkyi

Translator: Tenzin Seldron, Liu Fang

Review: Hu Rongguo, Dong Xiuli