Free Trade Zone Established

In another example of strengthening ties with its oil rich neighbor, China has decided to establish a free-trade zone with Kazakhstan.

The 200-hectare facility, China mainland's first duty-free border zone, was proposed by President Hu Jintao during a state visit to Kazakhstan last year. The Kazakh government recently approved the plan.

Kazakhstan is one of the most strategically important nations to China due mainly to its massive oil reserves.