Hi DaCraw,I dug a little and found some info on Guangdong...

Hi DaCraw,

I dug a little and found some info on Guangdong Province from the-Australia Business Conference 2005:


Guangdong is located in the southernmost part of China’s Mainland. It has always been an important window for China’s foreign trade as well as the starting point of the world-famous " Silk Road on the Sea." With its sustained and rapid economic development since the opening-up of China, Guangdong has become the leading province in terms of economic capacity and foreign trade in China.

In 2004, Guangdong's GDP reached US$194 billion, representing an increase of 14.2 per cent over 2003, accounting for about one-ninth of China’s national total. The total volume of retail sales of consumer goods amounted to US$77 billion, accounting for one-ninth of the national total. The actual input of foreign direct investment amounted to US$ 10 billion (representing one-sixth of the national total), while the import and export value amounted to US$357.1 billion (accounting for one-third of the national total).

Guangdong is one of the key manufacturing bases in China, with massive market potential, a comprehensive infrastructure and advanced transportation and communication networks. The new Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is located in Guandong and is one of China's three main air hubs. There are currently 141 open ports in the province, with shipping routes connecting with over 1,100 ports in more than 130 countries and regions. While continuously constructing a civilized, legitimate, harmonious and stable society, Guangdong also endeavours to provide an investment environment with efficient services and low costs for overseas investors, as well as a sound legal framework to safeguard rights and interests. Guangdong is now one of Mainland China's most economically dynamic regions.

Guangdong has all along been attaching much importance to promoting economic and trade links with Australia. In recent years, with the concerted efforts of the parties concerned, business exchanges and co-operation between the two places have increased. In 2004, the import and export value between Guangdong and Australia amounted to US$ 4.58 billion, representing an increase of 35.8% over 2003, accounting for 22.5% of the volume of trade between China and Australia. As at end of 2004, the cumulative contracted value of foreign direct investment from Australia amounted to US$ 920 million, while the actual input of FDI from Australia amounted to US$ 480 million. Many leading Australian enterprises such as CS China Investment Pty Ltd, Australia HSBC (Investment) Co. Ltd and Bluescope Steel are doing thriving business in Guangdong.