Guangdong Challenged by Drought
75 counties in Guangdong are suffering from drought due to the shortage of rainfall and high temperatures, with 18 counties in a severe situation. Statistics show that since January, Guangdong¡¯s rainfall dropped 75% compared to the same period last year. Weather forecasts show no sign of rains in the coming few days and temperatures will remain high.

Plans to Be Drafted for The Integration of PRD Cities
The Guangdong communication department decided to draft out plans to promote the integration of cities in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) be setting-up infrastructure and transportation. According to the development blue print, a total of 3000 kilometers of expressways will be built in the PRD by 2012. In addition, Guangdong¡¯s harbors annual handling capacity will be increase to 900 million tons of cargo, which represents around 470 million containers.

$4b Boon to Aid Guangdong Rural Workforce
The Guangdong provincial government said in a notice this week that more than 30 billion Yuan ($4.4 billion) is to be pumped into helping jobless rural workers find employment. It said improving employment for migrant workers in Guangdong is the top priority, as the southern province steps up efforts to enhance development in agriculture and of rural areas over the next four years.

China Raises Garment, Textile Export Tax Rebate Rate to 15%
During an executive meeting of the State Council on Wednesday, it was decided that China will increase the tax rebate for textile and garment exports from 14 to 15 percent. Although the effective date of the new rate wasn't specified, this move will reduce costs, therefore supporting the textile industry.

(Photo from :efu.com.cn)