China contributes to Haiti's reconstruction after natural disasters

SANTO DOMINGO - After its participation in the UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti, China has continued to help the country rebuild from the 2010 earthquake, which killed more than 220,000 people and displaced 1.5 million.

While China left the UN peacekeeping mission in November 2012, Beijing has maintained its presence in the Latin America's poorest country by providing financial cooperation and assistance in development works.

On Sept. 25, the Haitian government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China National Automation Control System Corp. (CACS), which will help construct new buildings for the finance ministry, the customs bureau and the tax office.

Furthermore, Chinese companies are helping to improve and expand the road between Port-au-Prince and Malpasse, an important border area near the Dominican Republic.

They are also building two highways in Port-au-Prince and Gonaives, as well as a cable car to link the municipality of Labadie with the archaeological site of Citadelle Laferriere.

In the next few years, China will also tackle the renovation of the country's main international airport, Toussaint Louverture.

"The Haitian government hails the efforts China has made to help Haiti on its path of development," Haitian Minister of Planning and External Cooperation Yves Germain Joseph said last week.

Ling Jun, head of China's trade mission to Haiti, reiterated China's willingness to help the country in the areas of infrastructure, energy and agriculture.

During the UN peacekeeping mission from 2004 to 2012, elements from China's anti-riot police conducted armed patrols, rescued hostages and apprehended leaders of armed gangs.

China's mission went one step further after the 7.3-earthquake struck on Jan. 12, 2010. China dispatched a plane loaded with aid supplies to Haiti, marking the first humanitarian assistance that arrived in the island.

Between January and February 2010, China sent to Haiti a total of five planes carrying aid worth some $5 million.