CHINA Shipping Group (CSG) and Pacific International Lines (PIL) has signed a "strategic co-operation framework agreement" to "enhance co-operation and create a win-win situation".

"This agreement doesn't include specifics but serves as a guideline for the two to work together on several container-related businesses and explore further areas of co-operation," an official told Lloyd's List.

In a website statement, state-owned CSG said the two agreed to co-operate in container shipping, leasing and manufacturing.

CSG unit China Shipping Container Lines (CSCL) have worked together on transpacific and Asia-Europe services and will launch a China-Australia service soon, the official said.

PIL, the parent of world's second-largest box maker Singamas, is also looking at opportunities to work with CSG in areas like container making and leasing, the official said.

Cosco Group holds a stake in Shenzhen's China International Marine Containers (CIMC) the world's biggest box maker. CSG lacks a similar position in container manufacturing.