Nyimar Tsering, vice chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Regional People's Congress, briefs on Tibet's social and economic development at a press conference held by held by the State Council Information Office on Feb. 2, 2010.

Tibet received a total of 154 billion yuan (about 23 billion U.S. dollars) in transfer payment from the Central Government during the 2001-2008 period, or 93.7 percent of Tibet's total financial resources.

"That means that of every 100 yuan Tibet spends, 90 percent comes from the Central Government." Nyimar Tsering, vice-chairman of Tibet Autonomous Regional Government, made this statement when briefing on Tibet's overall development and prospects at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office here Tuesday.

Tibet reported a GDP growth rate of 12 percent and a 13 percent rise in the rural per-capita net income in 2009. About 1.2 million farmers and herders from 230,000 families had moved into their newly-built houses by the end of 2009, Nyimar said.

Meanwhile, the region received a record number of 5.56 million tourists from home and abroad last year, with its tourist revenue hitting 5.24 billion yuan.

The leader noted that Tibet has maintained social stability as a result of rapid economic growth and a higher living standard.

"Everything goes smoothly there. Our people cherish more their present happy life than anything else," Nyimar added.