China's Sinopec Group has begun construction of a long-planned refinery and petrochemical complex in the southern city of Zhanjiang. The first phase of the mega projects includes a 10 mta refinery and an 800 kta ethylene complex that produces plastics, synthetics, rubber and fiber. Sinopec and OPEC member Kuwait has agreed on a preliminary deal to build the energy complex in a USD 9 billion joint venture.