China's US$1 billion Dalian West Pacific oil refinery, partly owned by French refiner Total, is expected to start production today - almost two years overdue - city officials say.
Dalian officials said Vice-Premier Zou Jiahua was expected to preside over the opening ceremony of the 100,000 barrel-a-day refinery.
Total holds 20 per cent of the project with the rest held by China's major oil companies and the Dalian municipal government in Liaoning province.
It would be China's first foreign joint-venture refinery to get off the ground.
Separately, officials said red chip China Resources Enterprise (CRE) was considering a US$29 million investment for a 90 per cent stake in a Dalian chemical factory.
Dalian deputy mayor Li Yongjin said the terms of CRE's investment were to be finalised as the factory would have to be relocated and its assets valued.