China Targets 65 Bcm of Turkmen Gas Imports by 2016

China is aiming to import 65 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Turkmenistan by 2016, according to a joint statement by the two countries released Monday.

The two parties have mapped out bilateral energy cooperation in a joint declaration during Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov's state visit, says news agency Xinhua.

Both China and Turkmenistan have agreed to ensure the smooth and stable operation of Line A, B and C and that they meet the designed capacity; kick off construction of Line D as soon as possible and try to put it in operation by 2016, Xinhua quotes from the joint statement.

Line A was launched in December 2009, and Line B in October 2010. They have a combined transport capacity of 30 billion cubic meters per year. The transport capacity of Line C is 25 billion cubic meters per year.

Xinhua adds that the two countries will speed up design and construction of the second phase of the Fuxing gas field in Turkmenistan with a capacity of 30 billion cubic meters annually.