Despite the impact of the SARS outbreak, the gross domestic product (GDP) of Shenzhen recorded a whopping year-on-year 15.9 percent growth to reach 71.8 billion yuan (US$8.68 billion) in the first four months of the year.

However, Vice Mayor Li Decheng warned of complacency, saying the negative impact of SARS had emerged in a number of sectors. He told an economic review meeting Monday that the city would boost exports and fixed asset investment to keep the growth momentum and counteract the SARS effects.

The statistics and trade bureaus Tuesday disclosed that industry, stimulated by robust exports, was the fastest growing sector with the industrial output roaring 23.9 percent in the period. The bulk of the four-month GDP growth, or 9.97 percent out of the 15.9 percent, came from the industrial sector. The profitability of industry also rose 15.9 percent over the same period last year.

According to the statistics bureau, robust investment also contributed to the GDP growth. The fixed asset investment ended a three-year lukewarm growth, surging 14.7 percent over the same period last year to reach 19.452 billion yuan.

The consumption market remained stable although Shenzhen reported about 50 infection cases during the period. The sales of consumer goods reached 25.802 billion yuan in the four months, surging 16 percent with the price index edging up 0.45 percent.

However, economists warn the SARS impact could gradually show up in the next few months.

Editor: Wings