Primorsky regional officials have announced the commencement of the regional part of the Sakhalin – Khabarovsk – Vladivostok gas pipeline project.

The construction work has been commenced under a prior agreement between the region and the project owner, Gazprom, the officials said. In addition to the laying of the pipeline, complex gasification of the region is reportedly expected.

The agreement also reportedly stipulates construction of an LNG factory and a gas-chemical facility in Primorsky.

Under plans, the first stage of the region’s pipeline section will be completed in Q3 2011.