<p>The Kremlin appointed Gazprom as co-ordinator of the project, which will see the development of a unified gas production, transportation and supply system in eastern Siberia and the Far East of Russia, with potential to export Sakha gas to China and other Asia Pacific markets. <br /><br />Gazprom said that the co-operation agreement mirrors the Sakha Republic's importance for the future oil and gas production center pursuant to the eastern program.<br /><br />The agreement covers several joint ventures that are part of the eastern program's implementation. These include joint participation in the development and execution of gas supply and gasification projects and programs, preparation and implementation of the hydrocarbon field prospecting, and exploration and development projects.<br /><br />The parties will also collaborate on preparation and coordination of the regional fuel and energy balances so that local resources are used efficiently.<br /><br />Alexander Ananenkov, acting chairman of the Gazprom management committee, said that the eastern program will facilitate further gas exploration, as well as preparation for the development of gas reserves in Sakha. <br /><br />Mr Ananenkov added that the eastern program introduces these gas reserves to the market through the gas transportation system construction in the unified corridor with the constructed eastern Siberia-Pacific Ocean oil pipeline system.</p>
