RailPartners, Inc. of the United States has participated in the tourism business of Qinghai-Tibet Railway, it was confirmed by Zeng Xiangyi, executive director of RailPartners on December 12.

This is the first foreign firm holding participating shares in China's railway tourism sector.

Tangula Railtours Ltd., a new joint venture founded by RailPartners and the Qinghai-Tibet Railway under the Ministry of Railways, is scheduled to operate sightseeing tours in 2007.

RailPartners will procure trains for the company and the Qinghai-Tibet Railway will take care of the transport.

The 1,142 kilometre Qinghai-Tibet Railway is a signature project of the western China Development drive. Construction started on July 29, 2001 and was completed on October 12, 2005. It will begin trial operation on July 1, 2006.