Brazilian state-owned energy giant Petrobras $PETR3 (+2.1%)
$PETR4 (-0.52%) is seeking to attract new Chinese investment in Brazil's oil and gas sector, particularly in the marine sector, the company announced on Tuesday during the visit of CEO Magda Chambriard to Asia.
Chambriard and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's chief of staff, Rui Costa, met with Chinese businessmen and government officials in Beijing on Monday, the company said in a statement.
According to the company, they gave an overview of Petrobras' activities and emphasized the potential for the expansion of shipyards in Latin America's largest country.
"We are here to propose the expansion of the partnership between Brazil and China in oil and gas investments," Chambriard said.
"We know that there are opportunities for Chinese companies to work with Brazilian shipyards and believe that increased cooperation would be beneficial for our countries," said Chambriard.
Lula, a former metalworker, has made it a priority to create jobs in local shipyards - a sector that has struggled for years - with Petrobras, which has already ordered several new ships.
The oil giant's transportation and logistics subsidiary, Transpetro, plans to put 25 ships into operation by 2030.