The figure was announced by Sergei Shmatko (Russia, minister of energy) following the meeting of Russian—Chinese subcommittee on energy industrial cooperation.
Fifteen million tons of coal are to be delivered annually during the next 5 years, and no less than 20 m t—each year after this period. The export scope would turn China into one of the most lucrative and strategic markets.
The bulk of Russian coal export to China reaching 12 m t in 2009 consists mainly of coking coal.