It's been three decades since China's central government launched the Aid Xizang program. The initiative taps into resources from more developed provinces and regions to benefit local communities. In today's episode of Pledge of Prosperity, our reporter Yang Jinghao visits the city of Shannan in Xizang Autonomous Region to learn about a new tech-driven project that's driving local development and training new talents. 

This factory sits at an altitude of over 3,200 meters on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. It's set to begin operating soon.

Located in Shannan, a city in Xizang Autonomous Region, it's the first facility specializing in probiotic products by Angel group, a global leader in yeast production based in central China's Hubei Province.

HE XINZHANG President, Xizang Angel Zhufeng Biotechnology Company "The factory will produce 200 tons of freeze-dried probiotic powder from the plateau annually. Once fully operational, it's expected to generate an annual revenue of approximately 300 million yuan, with around 100 million yuan in taxes and profits."

YANG JINGHAO Garcha County, Xizang Autonomous Region "This program was established under China's Aid-Xizang initiative launched in 1994. It saw this high-altitude region in the country's southwest paired with more economically developed provinces and regions for assistance."

Some 100-kilometers away, in 2021, Angel group established a research and development center, which focuses on collecting and screening probiotic strains.

Over the past three years, the team has travelled around Xizang and collected over 180 effective samples and isolated more than 1,800 strains.

LI XIAO General Engineer, Angel Group "The relatively isolated environment of the Xizang region has led to differences in the primary and secondary metabolism of micro-organisms compared to other regions, giving them distinctive characteristics. From an industrial development perspective, I believe they have significant industrial value."

Xizang's harsh natural conditions have left it with weak economic foundations, heavily reliant on agriculture and animal husbandry. The introduction of the program aims to drive local technological advances, especially in the biotech sector.

Meanwhile, it's expected to cultivate local talent, as most of its employees are locals. And they've all received months of training at Angel's headquarters.

NYIMA TASHI Employee "I've learned a lot about fermentation technology and the operation of different equipment, including freeze-dryers and separators. Adapting to the technologies has made it easier for me to transition from my previous job to this one."

LHADRON Employee "I'm grateful the company can bring such a valuable project to Xizang, which creates job opportunities for local young people."

The company plans to collaborate closely with local government and partner companies to ensure sustainable growth that benefits more locals.

HE XINZHANG President, Xizang Angel Zhufeng Biotechnology Company "This industry has tremendous potential and could eventually grow into a tens-of-billion-yuan sector. After many years of the Aid-Xizang initiative, I think it's vital to shift from just providing assistance to fostering internal growth and self-sustainability."

With the development of more proprietary technologies and equipment, he says they are confident they can challenge the dominance of international giants in the industry.

Yang Jinghao, CGTN, Shannan, Xizang Autonomous Region.