Energy behemoths swear by opening-up

Shorter negative lists for foreign investment and development get thumbs up

China's shortened negative lists in the mining sector, and the lifting of restrictions on the exploration and development of petroleum and natural gas reserves, represent a rare opportunity that is likely to be utilized to the hilt by energy multinationals such as French oil giant Total, Anglo-Dutch behemoth Royal Dutch Shell, British heavyweight BP and international metals and mining company Eurasian Resources Group, industry experts said.

On June 30, China updated two negative lists as part of the government's efforts to improve international cooperation and widen market access.