16/03/2010 (Agence Europe) - The European Investment Bank vice-president responsible for Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, Plutarchos Sakellaris, began an official four-day visit to South Africa on Monday 15 March. While there, he will restate the EIB's commitment to support the country, an EIB press release states, specifying that the “EIB will continue to focus on projects that reduce poverty and inequality”. In 2009, the Bank lent €280 million (ZAR 3 bn) for investments in South Africa. Since 1995, EIB loans have amounted to €2 billion. Key projects financed in 2009 included support to private sector SMEs, municipal infrastructure and national roads, as well as renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. (O.L./transl.jl)