Since I started working as the Consul General of Nepal to Lhasa in November 2024, I have had the opportunity to participate twice as an observer in the annual two sessions of the Xizang Autonomous Region. While participating in these meetings held on January 18-19, 2025, and January 30-31, 2026, I had the opportunity to closely observe how the unparalleled development of the Xizang Autonomous Region of our friendly country, China, has been possible in a short period of time.

Before attending the third session of the 12th People's Congress of the Xizang Autonomous Region and thethird session of the 12th CPPCC Xizang Autonomous Region Committee in 2025, which took place exactly 2 months after I took office as Consul General, I had only read about the development of this region in the pages of books, because before that, although I had been to other cities and regions in China, I had not got the opportunity to come to Xizang.

Between these two conferences held over two years, I have visited various places of this autonomous region and also interacted with the local communities there. During this period, I have visited Mount Kailash (Kangrinpoche) and Lake Manasarovar (Mapam Yumco) area. I found that, there is a harmonious relationship between Buddhists, Hindus, Bon followers,and Jains, all of whom consider this region as a sacred place. I have visited beautiful lakes like Namtso, Yamdrok and Bangong. I was captivated by the natural beauty of these lakes. I appreciate the efforts made by the government and the local people to preserve their beauty. Similarly, I have visited beautiful cities like Lhasa, Linzhi, Shannan and Shigatse. From visiting these cities, I have gained a good understanding of the balance between the miraculous development achieved through the use of modern technologies and the preservation of ancient heritages of archaeological importance.

Here, I found that high priority was given to the development and mobilization of human resources. Workers were provided with proper remuneration and the system of respect for labor, which motivated them to work day and night. Due to the emphasis on production growth, farmers increased their production through agricultural cooperatives and even started selling their products in domestic and foreign markets. I got the opportunity to see, how they used high technology including greenhouse management. During my visit to the Ali area, I had the experience to see how fertilizer, water, temperature and light were managed in the greenhouse through a mobile app. Even at an altitude of 4300 meters, inside the greenhouse, not only melons, cucumbers, pumpkins, gourds, and tomatoes that grow in the desert-like sand were grown, but flowers such as roses, centauries, Godavari, marigolds, tulips, and lilies were also seen blooming in abundance.

While participating in the two sessions of the Xizang Autonomous Region, I felt that the political system and democratic institutions here are constantly improving and expanding. In both the People's Consultative Conference and the People's Congress, representation of various ethnic groups and communities in this autonomous region has been ensured. They have been active in the development of their areas. While formulating plans, people's wishes have been given high priority and people-centered development has been ensured. No shortcomings were found in the implementation of the plans formulated. The general public and officials at all levels have been active in the implementation of the plans.

Xizang's democratic practice is deeply rooted in China's system of regional ethnic autonomy, a fundamental political system enshrined in the Constitution. People of all ethnic groups in Xizang fully enjoy the right to independently manage the affairs of their own region and ethnic group.

All the participants representing different sectors, classes, communities and parties were found to be actively participating in the discussions on the budget and programs. They were all committed to the programs that would benefit the general public and to ensure that the people themselves are working as the government.

The time management of the program was also felt to be excellent. On both days, the participants had taken their seats 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled time, while the chairman and invited leaders had also entered the hall ahead of time. Similarly, those who were presenting in the meeting had also completed their presentations on time, and no one took more than the allotted time. The accommodation of the participants and guests and sound system of the program were excellent, and special attention was paid to lighting and cleanliness.

The media personnel who covered the event also appeared to be completely disciplined. They were not found to have disturbed anyone during their news gathering. Traffic management outside the event venue was also of a high standard.

I think, the institutional arrangement of holding the People's Congress and the People's Political Consultative Conference of Xizang, has formed a democracy with Chinese characteristics. This is not only an important manifestation of the people being the masters of the country, but also an important reflection of the meetings listening to the constructive opinions of different committee members.

The priorities for 2026 were deeply inspiring and encouraging for me. Especially, the strengthening border port construction, I think, will undoubtedly promote the in-depth and practical implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative between China and Nepal.

Opening-up of the current periodic plan of China's Xizang, goes beyond the traditional liberalization. It emphasizes onHigh-quality foreign investment, Regional and multilateral cooperation, Secure and diversified supply chains and Win-win partnerships with neighboring countries. The new Five-Year Plan sees agriculture as not just a traditional occupation but also a foundation for sustainable development. The strategy of increasing productivity through modern and mechanized farming, giving top priority to food security, revitalizing rural areas, and strengthening the agricultural value chain provides a clear signal to move towards a self-reliant and stable economy.

After being established as an autonomous region of China in 1965, it took 50 years  (until 2015) to reach the GDP 100 billion yuan. It added another 100 billion yuan in the six years (until 2021) and another 100 billion yuan in the four years (until 2025). Now the GDP reached 300 billion yuan, reflecting the pace of development here.

In my opinion, the development Xizang achieved during a short period of time, has been possible only due to the skillful leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the sincere efforts of the people's representatives and leaders, the perseverance of the government here, and the tireless effort of the Chinese people. The hardworking hands and continuous efforts of the people here are commendable. This would not have been possible without their effort. In addition, the adoption of a participatory planning system, the development and use of new technologies, the round-the-clock deployment of skilled manpower, the readiness of the government and the people in its use, the government's support in promoting professionalism, the increasing investment in industrial development, the continuous efforts of entrepreneurs, and the impressive perseverance of farmers and workers have contributed to this success. It was felt that the development campaign gained momentum due to their deep faith and trust in their government and leadership.

During my one-year stay in Xizang, I have had the opportunity to learn a lot from the development of Xizang. I have closely interacted with the development here. I found that, Xizang has achieved great success especially in infrastructure development, agriculture, information technology, tourism, health, education and preservation of valuable ancient heritage. I think, we can be benefited through the Trade related activities like Exporting Nepali products to China. Like wise Partnership in energy, infrastructure, and technology projects, attraction of Chinese tourists to Nepal, construction of new touristic attractions, collaboration in hydropower and green energy projects, improvement of roads, railways, air routes, and digital networks, use of modern technology and joint effort in the field of Education, health and skill development may be useful to us.

Thus, I have been deeply impressed by the Incomparable and magical development of this autonomous region and the practical, open and democratic environment adopted here in development management. I am thinking, how my country Nepal can benefit from this and act accordingly.

The author is the Consul General of the Consulate General of Nepal in Lhasa.