Development and Cooperation


	Contributions from the Column Facts and trends WFP opposes strict WTO rules G8 cancels debt and cuts aid Climate protection after Kyoto EU looks for its role in development policy Africa suffers from lack of harmonisation KfW Development Bank gains Spam mails impede development Aid does not reach the poor Trade: Renminbi appreciation would have no effect 07/2005		KfW development bank expands In 2004, the KfW development bank and its subsidiary, investment agency DEG, were able to pledge approximately ¤ 2.5 billion in aid money to developing and transition countries. This is a 20 percent increase on the previous year. Out of the KfW funds which amounted to ¤ 1.9 billion, Asia/Oceania received the most pledges (778 million) as in the year 2003, followed by the Europe/Caucasus regions (384 million) and sub-Saharan Africa (307 million). Most of the money was spent on expanding the economic infrastructure. The pledges more than doubled in this area, from ¤ 364 to 749 million. The DEG, which operates as a lender for private companies in developing countries, invested ¤ 563 million last year and thus achieved the highest volumes in its history. It primarily expanded commitments in the financial sector. Their regional focal areas corresponded to those of the KfW. (orb)