"By 2010, Xinjiang is expected to produce 30 million tons of crude oil and 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas a year. It will ship 20 billion cubic meters of gas to coastal areas in eastern China," said Han Xueqi, director of the Xinjiang Regional Development Planning Commission.

The region is accelerating oil and gas prospecting at Tarim, Junggar and Turpan-Hami basins. Construction on the expansion of thickened oil project at Karamay Petro-chemical Works, oil refining device at Tarim Petro-chemical Works, along with other projects have been listed as key projects for this year.

The region will also upgrade oil production and popularize the use of natural gas in both urban and rural areas.

(Xinhua 10/06/2000)