IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, recently signed a 15 million dollars loan agreement to address water shortages and pollution in China, according to a statement released by the IFC on December 10, 2007.

      The loan, signed with Asia Environment Holdings (AEH), will support the company's activities in the water and wastewater sector that contribute to public health and environmental improvements, including a reduction in waterborne diseases, said the statement.

      China faces mounting water shortages caused by limited resources, increasing demand, and pollution. The availability of water per capita is only one-third of the world average.

      China's sewage treatment facilities are not sufficient to treat the growing volume of sewage, which is consequently discharged into nearby surface water and groundwater, said IFC.

      The 15 million dollars loan is IFC's second investment in China's water and wastewater treatment sector. It will support AEH's expansion plans by providing reliable longer-term financing and helping raise investor confidence, said IFC.

      "We are happy to partner with IFC. We are also confident that this cooperation will help expand our water and wastewater treatment capacity in China," said Wang, chairman of Asia Environment Holdings.

      "Water and wastewater treatment is a priority sector for IFC's approach in China. In addition to providing financing to support the company's expansion plans, we will also provide guidance on environmental and social standards that will cover all relevant areas of its business," said Rashad Kaldany, IFC Director for Infrastructure.