Guangdong would upgrade its economic structure and focus on innovative capabilities in 2005, said provincial Party chief Zhang Dejiang during a panel discussion at the Third Session of the 10th National People's Congress, which started Saturday.

The province still views foreign investment as the propelling strength for its economic growth with an emphasis on the high-tech sectors and service industries.

Though a recognized economic powerhouse in China, Guangdong has poor, underdeveloped counties in its northern and western regions. Zhang said the province would make efforts toward a breakthrough in developing county-level economies. Also, he said the province would be enhancing cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao.

The booming private section is attracting more attention in the province. Zhang promised a service-oriented government and equal competition among SOEs and private companies.

The province will invest more heavily in education and attract more talented professionals to work in Guangdong with preferential policies. Meanwhile, the province will beef up a social security net, help the disadvantaged, and create social harmony.

The provincial Party chief also focused on the education of 3.5 million Party members within the province, urging them to purify their spirits and act as paragons for the general public.

In 2004, Guangdong's GDP reached 1,604 billion yuan (US$194 billion), a 14.2 percent growth over the previous year. Its foreign trade volume was measured at US$357 billion, 26 percent more than the previous year. While farmers average income grew 4 percent, reaching 4,366 yuan a year.

(Shenzhen Daily March 7, 2005)