The Chinese central government has earmarked 6.4 billion yuan, or about 770 million US dollars, for infrastructure projects in Tibet.

A delegate from Tibet Autonomous Region made the remarks in an interview with Xinhua News Agency while attending a meeting on Ethnic Affairs in Beijing.

The delegate said the fund would be used to improve the living conditions of farmers and herdsmen in the region,including building roads, generating electricity and improving sanitation facilities.

With this new funding, China's total investment in the region is expected to reach 16 billion yuan this year.

Further funding will be used for large-scale construction projects such as railways.

This year is the fortieth anniversary the establishment of Tibet Autonomous Region.

China Tibet Tour/CRIENGLISH