COOPERATION IN ECONOMY & TRADE

According to the joint statement, a Sino-Turkmen cooperation committee is to be founded to comprehensively promote bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, security, culture and education.

Both sides promised to give prominence to win-win economic cooperation, equality and mutual benefit, based on which the two nations will boost bilateral cooperation in energy, transportation, telecommunications, chemical industry, textile and building materials.

Both countries will create favorable conditions to expedite contracted projects and make sure the Sino-Turkmen natural gas pipeline goes into service as scheduled.

The two sides will also provide favorable conditions with the permission of law for natural, legal and other economic entities of both countries to engage in investment, trade and economic and technology cooperation.

The legal framework for bilateral economic cooperation will be further strengthened, the statement said.

Both sides are determined to further enhance cooperation in culture, education, arts, sports, education, public health and tourism.

President Hu Jintao arrived in Turkmenistan's capital of Ashgabat on Thursday night for a state visit aimed at pushing forward the friendly and cooperative ties between the two nations.

(Xinhua News Agency August 30, 2008)