LHASA, June 10 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-six construction projects covering infrastructure, public services and tourism were officially launched in Nyingchi, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region Wednesday.

A ground-breaking ceremony for the projects, with a total investment of 302 million yuan (about 42.71 million U.S. dollars), was held in Caimen Village in Mainling County. The projects, part of a pairing-up aid program between Guangdong Province and Tibet, are estimated to provide jobs for more than 650 locals.

The project for the Caimen scenic spot, for instance, aims to develop the area into a tourist zone along the Yarlung Zangbo River and will increase the income of farmers and herders, said Liu Guangming, executive vice mayor of Nyingchi. He is also head of the ninth team dispatched by Guangdong for the aid program.

"In the past two years, our villagers' labor income has been increasing," said Migmar, director of the Caimen villagers' committee. "Villagers will be encouraged to provide homestay services and open restaurants thanks to the new project."

Guangdong has planned 51 projects in Nyingchi this year, with a total investment of 543 million yuan. Enditem