PetroChina has joined forces with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) to work on a variety of issues in the oil and gas sector.

As part of the strategic agreement, CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, is to collaborate with the oil company on research activities, and the deal outlines potential for oil and gas training and development as well as the exchange of graduate students to enhance their skills in the sector.

CSIRO's group executive for energy Dr Beverley Ronalds said that "the agreement is a great boost to Australia's working partnership with China and recognises our reputation and achievements in delivering world-class technology and research for the oil and gas industry".

She revealed that CSIRO worked with the China University of Petroleum last year to help PetroChina discover an oil field in the Bohai Bay area with a reserve of more than seven billion barrels.

PetroChina was formed in 1999 as a joint stock company and now claims to be the largest oil and gas producer in China.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development