GD's Work Focus for 2009 Announced
The Forth Plenary Session of the Tenth Guangdong CPC Committee was held in Guangzhou yesterday (5th). Guangdong Governor, Huang Huahua, outlined the arrangement of work for this year. The approval of the work to be focused on is now underway by various representatives across the Province. More details from our reporter Chengang.
Huang outlined ten key economic projects. Here are some points.
"Our priority will be given to guaranteeing the stable and relatively rapid economic development. We will accelerate economic transition and restructuring, and continue to improve people's living standards."

Chinese naval fleet sails into Gulf of Aden
China's anti-piracy naval fleet sailed into waters off Somalia today, starting a three-month mission to protect passing ships against pirates. The Ministry of Transport has started accepting escort requests from Chinese vessels set to sail through the troubled waters in the Gulf of Aden. The ministry will provide information about the vessels seeking help to the Chinese fleet on a daily basis.

Reservation for Reunion Dinner Still Popular
Chinese New Year reunion dinners are held on New Year's Eve, with family members getting together to celebrate. Given the rapid economic development in China, more and more people now prefer to have the reunion dinner away from the family home. The first sitting of reservations for the big day is already full in Guangzhou's well known restaurants such as Guangzhou Restaurant, Lianxiang Restaurant, Nanyuan, and TaoTaoju. Even the second sitting of bookings is almost fully subscribed. However, not all restaurants are putting up full notices, particularly some which are not located in downtown areas. For example, one restaurant in Chigang has not yet got enough diners to fill the first round.

Heavily Polluting and Energy Consuming Products to be Subject to Consumption Taxes
Finance Minister Xie Xuren (Jan 5th) announced at a national conference yesterday that the reform of the fiscal tax system will be accelerated this year. As part of the efforts, some heavily polluting and energy consuming products will be subject to consumption taxes, in a bid to optimize the consumption tax reform.