The economy of Guangdong is expected to grow 9 percent each year over the next five years, according to a new five-year program approved by the province's top officials Saturday.

The plenum of the provincial committee of the CPC gave its go-ahead for the 2006-2010 program that calls for more efficient and eco-friendly economic development, a more harmonious and equitable society, and deeper reforms and opening up.

According to the program, the province's GDP in 2010 will double that of 2000, while energy consumption will decrease 13 percent over the end of the current five-year program, which ends this year.

The program also provides measures to lower crime rates and improve the social security system.

Editor: Yan