International economic cooperation is bringing about rapidly growth of foreign trade in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in the first half of 2005, said a source with its commercial department Wednesday.

Both the imports and exports of Guangxi grew rapidly in the period from January to May. Gross foreign trade in the region reached US$ 1.94 billion, 31 percent higher than the same period last year.

At the same time, the structure of exports has become more suitable for local economic development. Electromechanical products and other high-tech products have taken a considerable part in the region's foreign trade, said the source with the commercial department.

Guangxi further developed international economic cooperation in 2005. The regional government approved 131 projects invested by foreign companies in 2005, a year-on-year growth of 2.3 percent. Four companies from Malaysia, Hong Kong and Laos established their factories and companies in Guaungxi.

(Xinhua News Agency July 21, 2005)