GUANGDONG Governor Lu Ruihua said the province's economic performance was better than expected despite the complicated social and economic environment last year.
The province has managed a gross domestic product of 9.4 per cent growth at 845.9 billion yuan (HK$754.9 billion) last year and is aiming at eight per cent growth this year, the Guangdong People's Congress was told yesterday.
In his working report, Mr Lu urged the legislative body to overcome last year's problems - including the lacklustre economy, ailing state sector, fraud and smuggling, regional disparities, fast population growth and pollution - when drafting plans for this year.
Among the 10 areas highlighted by Mr Lu, the top five target the economy, which has been sluggish since the Asian currency crisis.
Mr Lu said the province would accelerate the retreat from direct management of state enterprises, particularly in the coal, sugar and textile industries, while focusing on restructuring its 50 'pillar state enterprises' on the central Government's list.
Mr Lu said the province would look to expand co-operation with Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau in industries such as information technology, Chinese medicine and environmental protection.