Premier Wen Jiabao made a whirlwind visit to Guangdong following his appearance at the Boao Forum as figures showed the export powerhouse has suffered its worst slump in decades, sources said.
The premier visited the Canton Fair held in Guangzhou, after a quick visit to Shenzhen. Sources said he inspected two exhibition halls where household appliances were on display and he talked to exhibitors.
This came as the export-orientated province, once the country's economic engine, recorded its weakest growth in 20 years in the first quarter of this year. Guangdong's GDP growth shrank to 5.5 per cent between January and last month, a marked slowdown from 10.5 per cent growth a year earlier.
Mainland trade officials yesterday admitted they saw no light at the end of the tunnel for the embattled export sector. Mr Wen's sudden visit was not on his announced schedule and reflects the central government's concerns for the province.
This was the third visit by Mr Wen in the past two years.
His visit to the Canton Fair brought hope to many exhibitors. Some believed that Beijing may wheel out more policies to help stimulate the economy.