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Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil producer, is venturing into a joint venture with Chinese partner Rongsheng Petrochemical in the Saudi Aramco Jubail Refinery Company, aiming to invigorate investment in the downstream sector. In a cooperative move, both entities are eyeing substantial investments in the petrochemical industries of Saudi Arabia and China, as indicated by recent agreements and negotiations.
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The envisaged partnership involves Rongsheng potentially acquiring a 50% stake in the Jubail refinery, marking a significant stride in refining assets investment, with ambitions to bolster liquids-to-chemicals strategies in both nations. If realized, this collaboration would signify the first major investment by a private Chinese firm in Saudi refining assets, underscoring Aramco's pursuit of global leadership in chemicals and integrated energy.
Why it matters
Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia transferred an 8 per cent stake in Aramco to the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund.