The central government will spend more than 38 billion yuan ($5.5 billion) over the next few years to help boost economic development and social welfare in Tibet, China News Service reported on Monday.

Nyima Pandor, a vice-division chief with the information office of the Tibet regional government told China Daily yesterday that a document had recently been drawn up by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) urging the central government as well as provincial authorities to provide aid and support to the region as it continues to recover from the damage caused by the March 14 riots.

The document mostly calls for increased financial support from the central budget, the promotion of tourism, and the restoration and repair of infrastructure damaged or destroyed in the unrest, Nyima Pandor said.