Malian security forces on Monday rescued three Chinese nationals kidnapped by unknown assailants after the trio escaped their captors over the weekend. The three construction workers and two colleagues from Mauritania were seized on July 17. While the Mauritanians were freed 10 days later, the Chinese were held until they escaped. All three are reported to be in stable health.(AL JAZEERA)

Six countries from Africa including Congo (Brazzaville), Algeria, and Uganda will be among a new crop of exhibitors at this year’s China International Import Expo that gets underway in Shanghai on Friday. In all, 58 countries will have representatives at the mega week-long trade show in suburban Shanghai where they will have the chance to meet directly with Chinese buyers. The Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority is typical of some of the African representatives who will be looking to expand their presence in the China market. (THE PAPER — in Chinese)