Kyrgyzstan, China to Speed Up Gas Pipeline Project

Kyrgyzstan and China have decided to speed up the construction of the natural gas pipeline from Turkmenistan.

Kyrgyz Telegraph Agency has reported that officials from both met in Beijing to discuss the implementation of a project to build a pipeline from Turkmenistan to China through Kyrgyzstan.

The possible route for the pipeline in Kyrgyzstan would be studied soon. "It will most likely be in the country's southern regions," an official from Kyrgyzstan said.

"Turkmen natural gas is the cheapest today. We will get access to gas at a reduced price. An alternative route for supplying natural gas will appear, as well as new jobs and additional revenue to the budget," Kyrgyz Economy and Antimonopoly Minister Temir Sariyev told the news agency.

A similar decision was adopted with regard to a project to build an oil pipeline from Kazakhstan to China through Kyrgyzstan.