China, Russia report soaring trade volume

BEIJING, March 19 (UPI) -- China and Russia say their soaring trade volume has them well ahead of schedule in meeting a 2010 goal of $60 billion to $80 billion in trade.

China-Russia trade volume hit $29.1 billion in 2005, up 37 percent for the year and much higher than the expected 20-25 percent, the Xinhua news agency said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to arrive in Beijing Monday for a two-day tour and trade and economic summit.