IN BRIEF (Page 8)

Red Cross opens bids

The Chinese Red Cross Foundation (CRCF) opened bids in mid-June for post-earthquake reconstruction projects, involving a fund of 20 million yuan.

The projects covers rebuilding of medical care facilities, schools and residential houses in rural areas of Sichuan province. According to CRCF, adoption of the public bidding system is to ensure transparency, facilitate fair competition, and choose qualified design and construction businesses.

Yuchai Group joins UNGC

Yuchai Group, one of China's top construction machinery companies in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, has formally become a member of United Nations Global Compact (UNGC).

UNGC was founded in 2000 and is the world's largest global corporate citizenship initiative. More than 3000 companies from over 100 countries have joined the compact, with about 100 Chinese companies.

According to the organization, Yuchai Group has made outstanding achievements in safe production, environmental protection, stakeholder interests and public welfare.

UN training

Organized by the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS and United Nations Volunteers, the United Nations system in China has completed a training program for Olympic volunteers on HIV prevention and anti-discrimination.

The training is conducted in collaboration with the Beijing Youth League, Marie Stopes International China and Red Cross Society of China and is part of the volunteers' preparations for the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games. Around 5,500 volunteers participated in the training in 12 different universities from June 14 to 15, while 100,000 volunteers will receive a basic information package on AIDS.

World Bank stake in Nature

The World Bank Group's International Finance Corporation (IFC) says it has invested in Nature, one of the largest flooring manufacturers in China, to help develop the company's wood sourcing and promote sustainable development of the flooring industry.

The $20 million equity investment and $30 million long-term loan will help Nature implement its growth strategy for the next three years. The financing will enable the company to develop plantation forests in Jiangxi province and establish a steady supply of certified wood. This will help position the company as a leading player in the sector and bring economic benefits to local communities.

A press release from the company says, "IFC is not only providing Nature with long-term financing, but more importantly offering strategic views to help China's wood companies grow in a sustainable way. IFC's standards will also help Nature become a responsible corporate citizen where it operates around the world."

(China Daily 06/30/2008 page8)