The industrial added value of Guangdong rose 17.4 percent to reach 43.6 billion yuan (US$5.2 billion) in May, 637 million yuan (US$76 million) more than in April, according to statistics of the Guangdong Provincial Statistical Bureau.

In the first five months, Guangdong generated 196 billion yuan (US$23 billion) in industrial added value, up 18.8 percent over the same period last year.

Guangdong was one of the areas worst hit by SARS. The World Health Organization issued a travel advisory against Guangdong in April, affecting business activities between Guangdong and other parts of the world.

Since the WHO lifted its warning against non-essential travel to Guangdong on May 23, signs of recovery have begun to appear.

Guangdong would do everything possible to attain the planned annual economic growth rate of nine percent and reduce the influence of SARS on economic growth, said Huang Huahua, governor of Guangdong.

(Xinhua News Agnecy June 24, 2003)