Venezuela's leader visits, vows to invest in Benin
Chavez pledges $2.9 million for housing, micro-finance programs

August 3, 2006
CNN
Original Source: http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/africa/08/03/Benin.Brazil.ap/index.html

COTONOU, Benin (AP) -- Venezuela President Hugo Chavez wrapped up a two-week world tour and headed home after a brief visit to the tiny West African nation of Benin, where he pledged to invest in one of the world's poorest countries.
Chavez signed an agreement late Wednesday with his Benin counterpart, Yayi Boni, promising to invest $2.9 million (2.27 million euro) for subsidized housing and micro-finance programs, Benin's government said in a statement.
Chavez asked for Benin's support in his country's bid for a rotating U.N. Security Council seat, and the two presidents called for reform in the U.N. to address the needs of developing nations.
Chavez left Benin late Wednesday and was expected back in Venezuela on Thursday. His tour took him to Argentina, Belarus, Russia, Qatar, Iran, Vietnam and Mali.
The Venezuelan president, known for his leftist stance, has repeatedly called for solidarity among developing nations. He has accused the U.S. of imperialism and exploitation.
The United Nations ranks Benin near the bottom of its quality of life Human Development Index -- 162 out of 177 nations surveyed. Only 40 percent of Benin's adults are literate and only about half of school-aged children are enrolled in school. Per capita income is about $3 (2.34 euro) a day.
Economist Boni took office in April after a peaceful transfer of power from longtime President Mathieu Kerekou.