Russia, China Sign $15 Billion In Contracts

Officials say Russian and Chinese delegations have signed 27 contracts worth some $15 billion.

Chinese Vice Prime Minister Li Kequiang made the announcement on April 28 during a Russian-Chinese business forum in Moscow attended by hundreds of Chinese businessmen.

The Chinese official said the contracts include deals on "transport, energy, communications, high technology and investment projects."

He estimated the total value of the contracts at more than $15 billion.

First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov took part in the meeting on behalf of the Russian government.

China is one of Russia’s leading trading partners, with bilateral trade of some $79.25 billion in 2011, according to the Interfax news agency.

Based on reporting by Interfax and AP