We're ready and safe for business, says Guangzhou Campaign aims to reinvigorate the economy.

(From South China Morning Post)

Byline: Marcal Joanilho

Guangzhou is to follow Hong Kong's example by launching a massive campaign to reinvigorate its economy.

This week's campaign will start with a Hong Kong media delegation visiting Guangzhou. The city's vice-mayor, Chen Mende will give an update on the latest Sars situation and reveal plans to promote the city and the Pearl River Delta.

This will be followed by a visit by international media, mainly from the United States, next month. It will include journalists from the Washington Post and Financial Times, according to a source.

The Better Hong Kong Foundation, which has been working closely with the Association for International Cultural Exchange of Guangdong, has been given the task of helping to promote businesses hit by the Sars outbreak.

Sars and a slack economy are keeping both businessmen and travellers away from Guangdong, where scientists believe Sars emerged, probably by crossing the species barrier.