China on Wednesday said it was open to Indian oil firms investing in oil and gas exploration in the Communist country.
"We should explore the possibility of mutual investment. Indian companies are welcome to invest in oil and gas exploration and production in China," Hua Junduo, China's Ambassador to India, told reporters after a 50-minute meeting with Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar in New Delhi.
He said the Chinese oil firms would also closely explore opportunities for investing in refining, petrochemicals and E&P.
Beijing was also 'greatly' interested in the Asian Oil Buyers-Sellers Meeting that Aiyar is planning to hold in January next year, he said.
The meet would bring together the four big importers -- India, China, Korea and Japan -- face to face with the big-hitting oil exporting countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iran for sorting out issues like the premium which OPEC members charge from the Asian countries.
Aiyar said Indian and Chinese oil firms can cooperate to get oil properties in third countries.