A website that provides useful information for Guangdong companies involved in international trade was opened on Wednesday by the provincial government.

Vice Governor Wan Qingliang said at the launch ceremony yesterday that the site - www.gd218.org.cn - will serve as a platform for local businesses, featuring such things as information on global markets and government trade policies.

"The website is one of several measures we have taken to help local firms cope with the global financial crisis, which has a huge impact on Guangdong because of its close involvement in foreign trade," he said.

Companies can use the site to apply for documents and licenses, put forward suggestions, and seek advice from officials in charge of the province's foreign trade, he said.

Guangdong's imports and exports totaled 36.6 billion yuan (US$5.3 billion) in January, down 31 percent on the same period last year, Wan said.

"We are facing unprecedented challenges in terms of foreign trade," he said.

Speaking at a banquet held for trade officials yesterday, Liang Yaowen, director of the provincial foreign trade and economic cooperation department, said Guangdong's foreign trade may fall further in the first quarter of this year.

"Many firms are importing fewer raw materials, so their exports will dwindle accordingly," he said.

Also, several hi-tech firms, including Taiwan-funded Foxconn and Singaporean-funded Flextronics, have downsized their operations as a result of the global economic slump, he said.

(China Daily February 19, 2009)