China takes up civic work in Africa

It's sending 1,809 UN peacekeepers and 300 volunteers in a new Chinese 'peace corps' program.

from the June 27, 2007 edition

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How China aids Africa

Aid

• Last fall, China pledged to double its aid to Africa and provide $5 billion in loans and credits by 2009.

• China will also build 30 hospitals and 30 clinics as part of its $37.5 million package to help Africa fight malaria.

Development programs

• More than 11,000 professionals from Africa have received training in China since 2004.

• Last fall, China announced it would set up a $5 billion China-Africa development fund to encourage Chinese companies to invest in Africa.

• China also pledged to train 15,000 African professionals, double the number of Chinese government scholarships given annually to Africans to 4,000, and send 100 senior agricultural experts and 300 youth volunteers to Africa.

Debt relief

• From 2000-05, China waived $10 billion in bilateral debt owed by 31 African countries and extended zero-tariff treatment to selected imports.

• In January, China signed debt relief and aid agreements with Benin, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Chad, and the Central African Republic.

SOURCES: Reuters, AP, BBC, Xinhua, Council on Foreign Relations

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