"When investing abroad, most Chinese enterprises understand the need to protect the environment, obey the laws of the host nations and actively fulfill social responsibility. However, some enterprises are not experienced in the work of environmental protection and need the guidance of the Chinese government."

Yao Jian, a spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce, on Feb 28 after the ministry and the Ministry of Environmental Protection jointly released the Guidelines on Environmental Protection in Overseas Investment and Cooperation, the first of its kind for Chinese enterprises.

"CDB will work with its African partners to make new contributions to China-Africa common development."

Yuan Li, vice-president of China Development Bank, who says CDB will continue to enhance financial cooperation with African countries. CDB had provided various forms of financial support to more than 30 African countries as of February this year. The bank's direct investment in Africa via the China-Africa Development Fund has reached $2 billion.

"The FDI rebound in February is good news and, in some way, an acknowledgement of China's economic competitiveness and global investor recognition of the country's investment environment and development prospects."

Shen Danyang, Commerce Ministry spokesman, saying that figures for the first two months can't give a a complete picture for the entire year. Foreign direct investment rebounded in February after dropping for eight consecutive months, signaling improving investor sentiment and confidence in the new leadership.

(China Daily 03/22/2013 page18)