In an effort to update overseas markets on the country's energy development China is compiling a 'white paper' on the subject through the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).  

The document is being jointly compiled by the Energy Bureau and the Institute of Macro Economics which both come under the NDRC.

The 'white paper' will highlight China's strategy and goals as well as elaborate on the country's energy policies and related measures that have been taken, said an official with the Energy Bureau.

According to the official the 'white paper' aimed to increase the transparency of China's policies and assist build up a good international environment for the country's energy development.

China consumed 2.22 billion tons of standard coal last year with the output of non-renewable energy reaching 2.06 billion tons. China is now the world's second largest energy producer and consumer.

China's net imports of petroleum in 2005 were 136 million tons accounting for six percent of the total world trade volume of crude oil that year.

According to the Energy Bureau the preliminary draft of the 'white paper' has been completed and is ready to be submitted for comment.

China issued 'white papers' on annual energy development in 1995 and 1997. Since then a number of significant changes have taken place in the country's energy affairs and policies.

(Xinhua News Agency September 26, 2006)