Recently with improved transportation and communication infrastructure, the geographical closedness has been broken up continually on the plateau.
In the eastern part of the world roof where Khampa people live, the market economy is rooted deeply and now expecting a greater development.
Khampa refers to the intersection areas of Sichuan,Qinghai,Yunnan and Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). Kampa people are identifiable for their generally tall and burly bodies with bold and unconstrained personalities, as well as their business mind.
Back in history, Khampas already established their fame as or traders along the ancient Tea-Horse Road noted for some famous merchants such as Pangdatsang and Samdotsang.
Nowadays, Khampas have regained their confidence with the booming market economy.
In 1980s, a plateau herder from Mangkam County began to sell caterpillar fungus in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, etc. and won his first fortune. The herder is named Garsong, one of the most successful Tibetan businessman whose assets worth more than ten million yuan.
Lodan, the first transportation businessman from Mangkam County after the Reform and Opening up Policy was adopted has now become the owner of wineries whose wine passes the national QS authentication test and falls short of demand.
According to statistics from the industrial and commercial sectors of Chamdo, in mid 1980s, altogether 2,570 individual businesses were registered, involving 2,970 people in employment.
However, after twenty years, Chamdo has now registered 11,078 individual businesses involving 29,489 people, about ten times the original figure.
Besides, at least over 20,000 Khampas are recorded to be engaged in business within and outside Tibet Autonomous Region.
Source: China Tibet Information Center
