Petrobras, the Brazilian state-owned energy giant, said that it was looking to attract new Chinese investment to Brazil's oil, gas and naval sectors, particularly, on Tuesday as its Chief executive Magda Chambriard visited the Asian country.

Rui Costa and Chambriard's Chief of Staff, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, met with Chinese officials and businessmen in Beijing, according to a company statement.

According to the company, they presented an overview on Petrobras activities and highlighted the potential for expanding shipyards in Latin America’s largest country.

Chambriard stated, "We're here to expand the partnership between Brazil & China in oil & gas investments."

Chambriard stated that "we understand that there are many opportunities for Chinese shipyards to partner with Brazilian ones, and we believe that increasing our collaboration would benefit both our countries."

Lula, who was a metalworker before, made it his priority to create jobs in local shipyards. This sector has been struggling for years. Petrobras has already ordered several new ships.

Transpetro, the oil giant's subsidiary for transportation and logistics, expects to commission at least 25 ships by 2030. Reporting by Gabriel Araujo, Editing by Mark Porter

(source: Reuters)