In an effort to update overseas markets on the country's energy
development China is compiling a 'white paper' on the subject
through the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).
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The document is being jointly compiled by the Energy Bureau and
the Institute of Macro Economics which both come under the
NDRC.
The 'white paper' will highlight China's strategy and goals as
well as elaborate on the country's energy policies and related
measures that have been taken, said an official with the Energy
Bureau.
According to the official the 'white paper' aimed to increase
the transparency of China's policies and assist build up a good
international environment for the country's energy development.
China consumed 2.22 billion tons of standard coal last year with
the output of non-renewable energy reaching 2.06 billion tons.
China is now the world's second largest energy producer and
consumer.
China's net imports of petroleum in 2005 were 136 million tons
accounting for six percent of the total world trade volume of crude
oil that year.
According to the Energy Bureau the preliminary draft of the
'white paper' has been completed and is ready to be submitted for
comment.
China issued 'white papers' on annual energy development in 1995
and 1997. Since then a number of significant changes have taken
place in the country’s energy affairs and policies.
(Xinhua News Agency September 26, 2006)