China, Uzbekistan set up joint venture to build gas pipeline

Moscow, Apr 14 (UNI) China and Uzbekistan have set up a joint venture (JV) to build a gas pipeline from the Central Asian state to its eastern neighbour.

A spokesman for the Uzbekistan's national oil and gas company, Uzbekneftegaz, told RIA Novosti today that the JV Asia Trans Gas, set up by Uzbekneftegaz and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), will be responsible for the design, construction and operation of the Uzbekistan-China gas pipeline.

The route of the pipeline, intended to pump gas from energy-rich Uzbekistan to energy-hungry China, will be approved by April 20, while project funding will be determined by June 1, the spokesman said.

The first stage of the pipeline is expected to be built by December 31, 2009 and put into operation in January 2010. The second stage is planned for completion by December 31, 2011, he added.

Tenders for the delivery of equipment and contractual work for the pipeline construction are scheduled to be announced later this month.

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