An imported products fair featuring various imported goods was held in January in Lhasa, the capital of the Xizang autonomous region. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]

The cities of Lhasa and Shigatse played a crucial role in driving the accelerated development of foreign trade in the region in the first quarter. The imports and exports of Lhasa reached more than 1.37 billion yuan, accounting for 59.6 percent of the regional total foreign trade value.

Shigatse was followed by imports and exports reaching nearly 907 million yuan, with an increase of 22.2 percent, data showed.