OREANDA-NEWS. July 04, 2011. A joint venture oil refinery between China and Chad started operation, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

China's leading oil producer, China National Petroleum Corp, and the Chad side jointly built the refinery, Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a regular news briefing.

The refinery is located near Ndjamena, the capital of Chad.

"The refinery is the latest important cooperative project between the two countries," Hong said, adding that it would help Chad turn its energy advantages into an impetus for economic and social development, and improve its capability to develop on its own.

Hong said the project will help the two countries expand and deepen pragmatic cooperation.

China and Chad resumed diplomatic ties in 2006. Hong said bilateral relations have since developed rapidly, citing frequent exchange of visits at various levels, increasing political mutual trust and fruitful cooperation in trade and economy, public health, culture and education.