Tibet, Sept. 2--Tibet is a faraway kingdom up in the Himalayan mountains but it's actively looking to market its products beyond the region.
Total exports last year was US$130 million, and the local government is keen to see that figure grow.
At Tibet's oldest carpet factory, all 180 workers are locals. Each piece is painstakingly handmade so they are very much sought-after.
As the process is labour-intensive, the factory sells only about US$225,000 worth of carpets each year. To capitalise on its exclusivity, officials are aiming for the export market to maximise profits.
Apart from tradition, Tibet is also counting on its rich mineral resources to boost its economy.
Xu Jianchang, Vice Director, Reform and Development Council, Tibet, said: "We've exploited not even 0.1 per cent of our natural resources. Ultimately, we have to develop industries, if not people cannot prosper."
Whether it be carpets, Tibetan medicine or minerals, with a population of only 2.7 million, Tibet's growing industries will be hard put to depend only on the local market.
And so their aim is the greater China and world market.
