The communications delegations of China and Kazakhstan have signed agreement to launch 12 direct passenger and cargo transportation routes between the two countries as of September 1 this year.

According to the Communications Department of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China, the 12 transportation routes will be operational between the major cities in Xinjiang and Kazakhstan.

The 12 routes will benefit trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, said Luo Jianxin, deputy director of the regional communications department.

Up to date, Xinjiang has 15 highway transportation ports, 63 international passenger and cargo transportation routes, which will rise to 75 by September.

(Xinhua News Agency August 4, 2005)