CHINA LAUNCHES NIGERIAN SATELLITE !

China is launching rockets for 30 countries. China has successfully launched a communications satellite for Nigeria.
The official Xinhua news agency says it is the first time that a foreign buyer has purchased both a Chinese satellite and its launching service.
The Nigerian Communication Satellite NIGCOMSAT-1 is expected to offer broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband internet services for Africa.
China beat 21 other bidders for the $311m contract to launch the satellite in 2004, Xinhua says.
The satellite, launched by a Long March 3-B rocket, is expected to reach its final position later this year and to remain in operation for 15 years.
This is the latest example of growing economic co-operation between China and Africa.
China is buying Africa raw materials and building infrastructure such as roads.
The launch represented "China's wish to cooperate with developing countries in the peaceful use of outer space and to promote a closer relationship between China and African countries," Xinhua says.
China is expanding its space programme and in 2003 became only the third country to launch a man into space.
This is one of 30 foreign satellites China has been commissioned to launch, Xinhua reports.

BBC NEWS REPORT.