china.org.cn
Tibet's E-commerce Boom: Livestreaming Drives $475 Million in Sales
Tibet's e-commerce sector is booming, with livestreaming sales reaching 3.36 billion yuan ($475 million) in the first four months of 2023, a 41.8 percent year-on-year increase, driven by improved internet access and government support, transforming local economies and connecting herders directly to market demand for wool products.
- What are the long-term implications of this digital transformation for Tibet's economy and cultural preservation?
- Tibet's integration of e-commerce is not just about sales; it's restructuring production. Companies like Xizang Holy Trust Industry Co., Ltd., now use online orders to drive on-demand production, connecting herders directly to market demand for wool products and facilitating exports. This model signals a shift towards sustainable and responsive economic activity.
- How is the Tibetan government supporting the growth of e-commerce, and what are the specific measures implemented?
- Tibet's e-commerce boom, driven by government support and improved infrastructure, is transforming local economies. Livestreaming sales reached $475 million in the first four months of 2023, a 41.8% increase year-on-year, showcasing the impact of digitalization on agricultural and cultural product sales.
- What is the immediate economic impact of the rise of e-commerce and livestreaming on Tibet's agricultural and cultural sectors?
- In Qonggyai County, Tibet, a 34-year-old livestreamer, Tashi Lhamo, generates over $139,000 annually selling local products like butter and tsamba to 4 million followers. This success is fueled by improved internet access, enabling e-commerce growth in the region.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames e-commerce in Xizang overwhelmingly positively, highlighting its economic benefits and success stories. The headline focuses on the positive aspect of selling Tibetan specialties through livestreaming. The opening paragraph sets a positive tone, emphasizing the ease with which villagers are embracing the digital era. This framing might lead readers to overlook potential drawbacks or challenges.
Language Bias
The language used is largely positive and celebratory, focusing on words like "ease," "increasingly," and "success." While descriptive, the article generally avoids overtly loaded language. However, the repeated emphasis on positive economic growth and lack of discussion of potential downsides may create an implicitly biased impression.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the economic benefits of e-commerce in Xizang, showcasing success stories and positive statistics. However, it omits potential downsides, such as the challenges faced by smaller businesses or individuals in adapting to the digital economy, the impact on traditional markets, or any negative environmental consequences associated with increased production and transportation. There is no mention of potential difficulties faced by villagers in accessing technology or training, or the digital divide that may exist within the region. While acknowledging limitations of scope is important, these omissions could prevent readers from gaining a complete understanding of the situation.
False Dichotomy
The narrative presents a largely positive view of e-commerce's impact on Xizang, implicitly suggesting that it is a universally beneficial development. This overlooks potential complexities and challenges. While it mentions government support, it doesn't address potential conflicts between traditional economic practices and the new e-commerce model. The presentation implies a simple, straightforward transition to e-commerce without acknowledging the potential for disruptions or negative outcomes for some individuals or groups.
Gender Bias
While Tashi Lhamo is prominently featured as a successful livestreamer, there is no overt gender bias in the article. The article does not focus on her gender or use gendered language to describe her success. However, showcasing more diverse examples of successful e-commerce participants in Xizang, including men and women from different backgrounds, would provide a more balanced perspective.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights how e-commerce initiatives in Xizang are creating jobs, increasing income, and boosting economic growth, particularly in rural areas. Livestreaming, in particular, has enabled villagers to sell their products directly to consumers nationwide, generating significant income. The growth of online retail sales and the expansion of businesses like Xizang Holy Trust Industry Co., Ltd., further demonstrate the positive economic impact. This aligns directly with SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.