China imported some 7.95 million tons of crude oil by train last
year, a year-on-year rise of 50 percent, according to the latest
information from the Chinese Ministry of Railways.
To increase imports via rail, the ministry and the Russian
Railways Ltd. Co. signed a summary of negotiations for further
cooperation last November. Both sides agreed to work together and
create more border checkpoints.
In accordance with the agreement, crude exports by train from
Russia to China will be 10 million tons this year and increase to
15 million tons next year.
In the meantime, the Chinese ministry also signed another
agreement concerning cooperation in railway transport with the
departments of transportation and telecommunications of Kazakhstan,
bordering China at the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
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(Xinhua News Agency February 20, 2005)