Saudi Aramco Assesses Possible Investment in Shandong Yulong Petrochemical

Officials at the signing ceremony. (SPA)
Officials at the signing ceremony. (SPA)
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Saudi Aramco Assesses Possible Investment in Shandong Yulong Petrochemical

Officials at the signing ceremony. (SPA)
Officials at the signing ceremony. (SPA)

Aramco, one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemical companies, Nanshan Group Co., Ltd., Shandong Energy Group Co., Ltd., and Shandong Yulong Petrochemical Co., Ltd. signed on Wednesday a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate discussions relating to the possible acquisition by Aramco of a 10% strategic equity interest in Shandong Yulong Petrochemical Co., Ltd. (Shandong Yulong), subject to due diligence, negotiation of transaction documents and required regulatory clearance.

Shandong Yulong is currently in the process of completing the construction of a refining and petrochemicals complex that is designed to process around 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil and produce a large volume of petrochemicals and derivatives. The facilities are located at Longkou, Yantai City, in China’s Shandong Province.

As outlined in the MoU, Aramco would potentially supply Shandong Yulong with crude oil and other feedstock.

Aramco Downstream President Mohammed Al Qahtani said: “As one of China’s largest refining and chemical centers, Aramco values Shandong for its current strength and future prospects. We believe this collaboration has potential to enable all parties to contribute to China’s energy security and development, and aid in navigating the energy transition.”

“With Aramco’s long track record as a reliable supplier of energy to China, and the expertise and commitment of Shandong Province, we envision a prosperous future together,” he added.

The MoU follows last month’s announcement that Aramco had signed a cooperation framework agreement with Jiangsu Eastern Shenghong Co., Ltd., (“Eastern Shenghong”) to also facilitate discussions relating to the possible acquisition by Aramco of a 10% strategic equity interest in Jiangsu Shenghong Petrochemical Industry Group Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eastern Shenghong, subject to due diligence, negotiation of transaction documents and required regulatory clearance.



Saudi Arabia Reports SAR540 Billion in Services Trade with 7% Annual Growth

Saudi Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Kassabi and other officials are seen at the panel discussion at Davos. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Kassabi and other officials are seen at the panel discussion at Davos. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reports SAR540 Billion in Services Trade with 7% Annual Growth

Saudi Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Kassabi and other officials are seen at the panel discussion at Davos. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Kassabi and other officials are seen at the panel discussion at Davos. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Kassabi announced on Wednesday that the Kingdom’s trade in services reached SAR540 billion in 2023, reflecting an annual growth rate of 7%.

Speaking at a panel discussion on Trade in Service at the World Economic Forum in Davos, he underscored the global significance of the services sector, which makes up approximately 65% of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP), 60% of foreign investments, and serves as the largest provider of jobs worldwide, particularly benefiting women.

He emphasized the need for global collaboration to reduce regulatory and procedural obstacles in the services sector, adding that simplifying these systems would boost competitiveness and alleviate burdens on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), thereby raising their economic contribution.

Al-Kassabi outlined Saudi Arabia’s significant investments in digital infrastructure, including SAR93.7 billion already spent and an additional SAR75 billion allocated for future projects.

The investments, he said, aim to support digital transformation, boost businesses, and attract foreign investments.

The Kingdom has partnered with international organizations to establish legislative frameworks that protect investments and advance human resource development and has created a Center for Distinguished Residence to attract skilled talents, he went on to say.

The World Economic Forum emphasized the critical importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors for the future of trade in services. It highlighted its partnership with the National Competitiveness Center on the Facilitating and Developing Trade in Services initiative, which focuses on key sectors such as information and communications technology (ICT), finance, transportation and logistics services, and mining. The sectors are vital as they underpin all economic activities.