Chinese living abroad had donated relief supplies and cash valued at 160 million yuan (US$23 million) to quake-hit regions, an official said in Beijing on Friday.

The Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council deputy director Ma Rupei said since a donation program was initiated on May 13, 160 million yuan has been collected.

Ma expressed his appreciation to donors and vowed to deliver these donations timely to quake victims.

As of Thursday, domestic donations in cash and goods had reached 1.34 billion yuan, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

The Ministry of Education said on Thursday Hong Kong movie mogul Run Run Shaw has pledged 100 million Hong Kong dollars (about US$12.8 million) for the reconstruction of schools. Early report said the Li Ka Shing foundation donated 30 million HK dollars.

By Wednesday, Taiwan-funded companies and individuals had contributed 560 million yuan in cash and relief supplies, including cement and food.

Donations to the Sichuan earthquake victims from Macao citizens and companies reached 34 million patacas (US$4 million) so far, figures released Wednesday showed.

Local Taiwan TV stations and Red Cross organizations will stage a concert to raise donations for quake-hit regions on Sunday.

(Xinhua News Agency May 16, 2008)