KOREAN Air Lines Co, the largest international air cargo carrier, won preliminary approval for a US$65-million venture in China as its seeks to carry more of the nation's surging exports.

The airline will spend US$16.25 million on a 25-percent stake in Galaxy International, the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China said in a notice on its Website. Sinotrans Air Transportation Development Co, a Sinotrans Ltd unit, will invest US$33.15 million and hold 51 percent.

The Seoul-based carrier follows Singapore Airlines Ltd, Deutsche Lufthansa AG and other airlines in forming China cargo ventures, as the country sends more goods overseas. Chinese exports were 28.7 percent higher in May than a year earlier.