Huang Weihong, director of the Guangdong Provincial Development Planning Commission, estimated that Guangdong's annual economic growth would top the 10 percent mark this year.

He outlined three factors for the fast economic growth, starting with Guangdong's improved international and domestic economic environment.

Guangdong's exports topped US$52 billion, 6.8 percent higher than national average growth rate. Its general trade exports came to US$9.7 billion in the first six months, up by 32.6 percent.

Secondly, the structural readjustment had paid off. Pillar industries played a still bigger role and the new and high-tech industry expanded at a quicker speed.

Thirdly, investment from the non-state sectors had increased at a fast pace.

(Xinhua News Agency August 2, 2002)