Apr. 20, 2009 (China Knowledge) - China Investment Corp (CIC), the country's US$200-billion sovereign wealth fund, will consider making investment in Europe this year again, now that the continent, hit by the financial crisis, has begun to welcome investments without attaching conditions, said CIC's Chairman Lou Jiwei, at the Boao Forum in southern China's Hainan province on Saturday.

Lou said that he was glad that CIC did not invest in the continent last year, after E.U. officials expressed concerns about possible investments by CIC.

The global financial crisis has changed western countries' attitude toward sovereign wealth funds. Those countries once suggested restrictions on investments by sovereign wealth funds, including limiting investment models and share-holding ratio, giving up votes and improving transparency, according to Lou.

Despite relaxed rules, Lou said that CIC will be cautious and keep its investment in Europe at a proper scale.

CIC, established to manage China's US$1.95 trillion in foreign-currency reserves, reportedly posted earnings of US$10 billion from its investments in 2008, a 5% return.