Saudi Aramco, Thailand’s PTT Sign MoU to Deepen Energy Cooperation

Officials of Saudi Aramco and Thailand’s PTT signing an MoU on Thursday, May 12, 2022. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Officials of Saudi Aramco and Thailand’s PTT signing an MoU on Thursday, May 12, 2022. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Aramco, Thailand’s PTT Sign MoU to Deepen Energy Cooperation

Officials of Saudi Aramco and Thailand’s PTT signing an MoU on Thursday, May 12, 2022. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Officials of Saudi Aramco and Thailand’s PTT signing an MoU on Thursday, May 12, 2022. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Aramco and Thailand’s PTT have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deepen energy cooperation in Thailand.

The MoU targets the supply and trading of crude oil, petrochemicals, and liquified natural gas (LNG).

It focuses on clean energy, carbon capture, and electric vehicles, and outlined potential collaboration across both upstream and downstream operations.

Other potential areas of activity include blue and green hydrogen, Aramco said.

The companies also aim to strengthen cooperation across crude oil sourcing and marketing of refining and petrochemical products.

Ibrahim al-Buainain, Aramco Vice President of Sales, Trading and Supply Planning, said the MoU is an opportunity to achieve the optimal benefit from the supply chain in several vital and rapidly growing business sectors and expand in the downstream sector in Asia, which is one of the main catalysts for global demand for energy and chemical products.

Both countries have been seeking to develop ties in the economic, trade, and investment fields to meet their future aspirations.

They restored diplomatic ties earlier this year during a visit to Riyadh by Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

He held talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.

They agreed to restore ties and open a new chapter in relations after years of efforts to rebuild trust and friendship.

Both countries also agreed in March to strengthen economic ties and boost bilateral investment.

This came as Deputy Chairman of the Federation of Saudi Chambers Tariq al-Haidari discussed with Sathana Ayudhya, the Thai Chargé d'Affaires and head of the diplomatic mission at the Thai Embassy, opportunities for future cooperation, mainly in the tourism sector.

Talks tackled work to bolster public and private efforts to enhance bilateral relations and find a mechanism to increase economic and commercial cooperation.

They also discussed means of exploring investment fields and available opportunities under the Saudi Vision 2030, as well as development opportunities in Thailand, especially in the fields of green economy, renewable energy, environment, digital transformation, and cybersecurity.

Haidari underlined the private sector’s key role in developing ties with other countries, benefiting from investment opportunities, and overcoming obstacles hindering the implementation of joint commercial and industrial projects.



Moody's Upgrades Saudi Arabia's Credit Rating

Moody's indicated that the rating upgrade and stable outlook are results of the Kingdom's ongoing progress in economic diversification. Reuters
Moody's indicated that the rating upgrade and stable outlook are results of the Kingdom's ongoing progress in economic diversification. Reuters
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Moody's Upgrades Saudi Arabia's Credit Rating

Moody's indicated that the rating upgrade and stable outlook are results of the Kingdom's ongoing progress in economic diversification. Reuters
Moody's indicated that the rating upgrade and stable outlook are results of the Kingdom's ongoing progress in economic diversification. Reuters

The credit rating agency “Moody’s Ratings” upgraded Saudi Arabia’s credit rating to “Aa3” in local and foreign currency, with a “stable” outlook.
The agency indicated in its report that the rating upgrade and stable outlook are results of the Kingdom's ongoing progress in economic diversification and the robust growth of its non-oil sector. Over time, the advancements are expected to reduce Saudi Arabia’s exposure to oil market developments and long-term carbon transition on its economy and public finances.
The agency commended the Kingdom's financial planning within the fiscal space, emphasizing its commitment to prioritizing expenditure and enhancing the spending efficiency. Additionally, the government’s ongoing efforts to utilize available fiscal resources to diversify the economic base through transformative spending were highlighted as instrumental in supporting the sustainable development of the Kingdom's non-oil economy and maintaining a strong fiscal position.
In its report, the agency noted that the planning and commitment underpin its projection of a relatively stable fiscal deficit, which could range between 2%-3% of gross domestic product (GDP).
Moody's expected that the non-oil private-sector GDP of Saudi Arabia will expand by 4-5% in the coming years, positioning it among the highest in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, an indication of continued progress in the diversification efforts reducing the Kingdom’s exposure to oil market developments.
In recent years, the Kingdom achieved multiple credit rating upgrades from global rating agencies. These advancements reflect the Kingdom's ongoing efforts toward economic transformation, supported by structural reforms and the adoption of fiscal policies that promote financial sustainability, enhance financial planning efficiency, and reinforce the Kingdom's strong and resilient fiscal position.