MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce two new initiatives for Australia's aid program in China.
Firstly, Australia will fund a new project to assist China to prepare for membership of the World Trade Organisation. Helping China meet the obligations of membership will yield important benefits for both China and the international trading system.
The project aims to enhance China's involvement in the world economy. It is expected to promote the country's economic reforms. Australia will train Chinese officials in international economics, both in Australia and Beijing, over a four year period. The estimated cost is $A5.5 million or more than Yuan 30 million. Eventually the training will be localised in China at MOFTEC's University of International Business and Economics.
Secondly, I anticipate Australia will spend about $A30 million, or about Yuan 180 million, over the next five years on new aid projects to address environmental degradation in China. The projects will mainly benefit poor rural communities.
Australia attaches high priority to helping China improve the management of its environment. An Australian team recently identified several projects in areas such as land rehabilitation, air and sewage pollution, renewable energy for remote households and public awareness of the environment.
All projects will aim to reduce poverty and assist China to improve the quality of China's economic growth. AusAID will develop the projects in consultation with China.
China is the fifth largest recipient of Australian assistance. Australia expects to provide $A54 million (or over Yuan 300 million) in development assistance to China in 1997/98.
BEIJING
Media contacts:
Beijing: Bob Mann or Innes Willox (Australian Embassy) 8610 6532 2331
Canberra: Michelle Hardy (AusAID) 02 6206 4968