China's 17 major state firms have invested 760 million yuan (about US$97 million) in 396 projects in Tibet over the past five years, the regional government said on Monday.

In addition to the massive investment, these state firms -- such as China National Petroleum Corporation, China Petrochemical Corporation and China Telecom Corporation -- also donated assets worth 50 million yuan and sent 70 professionals to the region, according to an ongoing Beijing symposium to encourage state businesses to boost Tibet investment.

Since 1994, the central government has been urging developed regions and big state firms to support the development of Tibet. At least 18 provinces and cities, 61 departments in the central government, as well as 17 major state firms, have heeded the call.

It was announced last week that the central government will invest more than 100 billion yuan over the next four years for Tibet's infrastructure and social services.

"The preferential policies and supporting measures have brought about tremendous political, social and economic benefits," said Zhang Qingli, Communist Party Secretary of Tibet, at the symposium.

He said his government is now drafting plans to optimize the investment, with a focus on improving the life of the people living on pastures and on farms.

The investment program has modernized Tibet and increased residents' incomes.

Official records show Tibet has maintained annual growth of more than 12 percent for each of the last five years, with 13.4 percent in 2006, a record high in ten years.

The per capita annual income of Tibetan farmers and herdsmen reached 2,435 yuan (about US$304) in 2006, up 17.2 percent on the 2005 figure, the highest growth in 20 years.

(Xinhua News Agency April 3, 2007)