It is learnt from the Foreign Trade Situation Analysis Conference that, Guangzhou has attracted $3.705 billion of contractual foreign capital, growing 10.31% over the corresponding period level in the first half 2008. Meanwhile, the amount of Guangzhou¡¯s export reached $20.458 billion, 14.01% more than the same period of 2007. Both of the figures are above the provincial average.

In the first half 2008, the number of newly established foreign invested enterprises in Guangzhou is 472, declining 5.03% than the data in the same period of last year. But 110 out of the 472 are big programs, each involving a total investment of at least $10 million. These big programs have brought about $3.171 billion of contractual foreign capital, according to Guangzhou Foreign Trade and Commerce Bureau (GTCB).

However, statistics also show that the growth of Guangzhou's manufacturing is slowing down. The first half 2008 saw only 116 new manufacture projects setting out, accounting for only 50.66% of the figure of corresponding period. "That Guangzhou's manufacture has suffered declines in foreign investment for 3 successive years is sure to impinge on the export," said an official in the GTCB.

Besides, owing to the relocation of enterprises, the simplex market structure and other factors, the export in Baiyun District, Huangpu District and Haizhu District are declining.