"We have to control our city operating costs to maintain our advantage," said Mayor Lin Shusen. "We should target both domestic and overseas markets."

So far, the city government has introduced market forces to most public services and simplified its administration procedures to lower its public services costs.

Major projects in the city under construction include a new airport, a deep－water port and an information－processing center.

Meanwhile, public bids for government procurement, on－line government management and a scientific public budget system are also being introduced.

Guangzhou is planning to further relax controls over investment in water supply, energy, roads, bridges and subways, hoping to create a transparent, effective and low－cost business environment for investors.

(CCTV, February 12, 2003)