ACERA visits Chinese oil companies and industry associations

In March this year the ACERA toured three major Chinese oilfield cities: Beijing, Qingdao and Guangzhou. ACERA President Tysun Chan met with several enterprises and associations with interests in Australia-China cross border petroleum trade in order to build on existing relationships and sow new seeds for bilateral collaboration. The parties visited included:

China National Offshore Oil Corporation, Foreign Affairs Bureau
China Overseas Development Association, International Cooperation Department
China Offshore Oil Engineering Company, Marketing Department
China National Petroleum Corporation Offshore Engineering, Marketing and Business Department
The Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province

One of the highlights of the itinerary was touring the Qingdao construction yards which are ranked amongst the largest of their kind in the world. Employing thousands of skilled workers covering a multitude of specialities, the yards produce large scale onshore and offshore production, drilling, pipelaying and utility modules and vessels among other type of facilities for projects around the world. The yards have successfully delivered integrated packages to Australian operations lead by BHP, Chevron, Inpex and ROC.

A core theme identified throughout discussions with the various parties was an eagerness to continually improve their understanding of the Australian petroleum sector including upcoming projects, investment opportunities, legislation changes and avenues for bilateral exchanges in technology and innovation. In relation to this, the enterprises and associations visited were keen to learn about the diverse local knowledge and experience possessed by ACERA members and affiliates in these areas of interest. A key action point following the tour will involve introductions between the Chinese bodies and relevant ACERA constituents and partners, a pleasing result given a core component of the ACERA’s mission involves seeking collaborative opportunities for our members and bridging connections between Australia and China.