Tibet's economy grew 9 percent in the first three quarters compared to the same period last year, totaling 27.5 billion yuan (about US$4 billion) in gross domestic product, regional government statistics show.

According to an official statement released on Thursday, Tibet economy overcame the negative effects brought about by the March 14 violence incident in Lhasa and sustained a high level of growth with the continued government investment in housing, agriculture and infrastructure development.

This southwest China autonomous region took in 1.6 billion yuan in revenue, up 11.6 percent year on year. The per capita income met an initial government target and grew about 14 percent from a year ago to reach 2,001 yuan.

Fixed-asset investment increased 12.9 percent to 20.67 billion yuan through September.

Tourism, which suffered a 69-percent decline in first six months, returned to normal in the third quarter, it said.

(Xinhua News Agency October 24, 2008)