The Xizang autonomous region will deepen reform and opening-up and accelerate efforts to build itself into an important gateway connecting China with South Asia during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), regional officials said on Friday.

Speaking at a news conference in Lhasa outlining the region's development blueprint for the next five years, Karma Tsetan, chairman of the regional government, said Xizang will further integrate into both domestic and international markets and actively participate in the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative.

"Xizang will strengthen international cultural exchanges, expand foreign economic and trade cooperation, and strive to establish an open pattern centered on Lhasa, with Chamdo and Shigatse serving as the eastern and western wings, and multiple ports working in coordination," he said.

Ren Wei, executive vice-chairman of the regional government, said Xizang will improve infrastructure cooperation and people-to-people exchanges with neighboring countries while promoting the high-quality development of cross-border e-commerce.

"We will intensify the construction of ports such as Gyirong, and advance the development of open platforms, including the Lhasa Comprehensive Bonded Zone and the China (Lhasa) Comprehensive Cross-border E-commerce Pilot Zone," Ren said.

He added that the region will also work to enhance the international influence of major events including the Forum on the Development of Xizang, China, and the China Xizang Tourism and Culture Expo.

According to the region's latest annual government work report, by 2025, Xizang had established five border trade zones, while the number of open counties, districts and cities increased to 45. Trade partnerships now extend to 155 countries and regions.

Lhasa Customs informed that during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), foreign trade expanded across all seven prefecture-level cities in the region. One new land port was added, the region's first comprehensive bonded zone was established, and three new international or regional air routes were launched.

Fa Tima, an official of Lhasa Customs, said the total value of Xizang's imports and exports in goods trade exceeded 40 billion yuan ($5.9 billion) during the period, with an average annual growth rate of 21 percent.

The scale of foreign trade increased by 78.5 percent compared to the five years previously, "demonstrating the strong resilience and endogenous driving force of Xizang's foreign trade development," said Fa Tima.

Fa Tima added that exports of the "new three" products — electric vehicles, lithium batteries and photovoltaic products — rose sharply during the period, while locally distinctive products also expanded overseas. Products including saffron from Nyingchi and local honey have entered overseas markets, helping increase incomes for local farmers and herders.

The region's growing openness has also benefited local enterprises. Xizang Alajabao Spirits Co launched its highland barley liquor export business in 2023, with its products now sold in markets including the United States and Canada.

Wang Zhaoji, president of the company, said the streamlined customs procedures and strong policy support have helped drive rapid growth in exports over the past five years, adding that the export volume has increased by 40 percent year-on-year, and total export volume has doubled.

Contact the writers at palden_nyima@chinadaily.com.cn