The life expectancy of the women in Guangzhou, Guangdong, has reached the standard of medium-developed countries, as announced at the 11th Guangzhou Women's Congress, which opened on November 1st.

Li Jianlan, Secretary of the CPC Group of the city's Women's Federation and Chairwoman of the same federation, revealed in the work report of the 11th Executive Committee of the federation that 63.45% of Guangzhou's municipal party and government departments and 100% of the city's township and village party committees and governments have women in key positions.

The material mortality rate has dropped from 18.5 in 100,000 to 3.95 in 100,000. In 2006, local women's life expectancy has reached 80.98 years, increasing by 2.68 years from 2002, on par with the standard of medium-developed nations.

A total of 659 official deputies and 36 special representatives attended the two-day congress which was responsible for making policy decisions for the Women's Federation and deciding its' general direction. The congress also elected the 11th Executive Congress of the federation.

Lien Fangyu, wife of Kuomintang Honorary Chairman Lien Chan, sent a congratulatory telegram to the congress. She has visited Guangzhou several times.