CHINA Petrochemical Corp, better known as Sinopec Group, has won government approval to purchase oil and gas assets in two deals in South America.

The National Development and Reform Commission, China's top planning agency, yesterday said it approved last month Sinopec's purchase of the Colombian oil and gas assets from United States company Hupecol. A Sinopec spokesman said the deal has been completed.

The NDRC also yesterday said it approved in October Sinopec's acquisition of a 20 percent interest in two blocks from Petroleo Brasileiro SA.