In a move that is set to bolster its presence in the Chinese market, Aramco, a prominent global energy and chemicals corporation, has recently finalized agreements to purchase a 10% stake in Rongsheng Petrochemical Co. Ltd., a company listed on the Shenzhen stock exchange. The deal, valued at RMB 24.6 billion (equivalent to $3.6 billion based on current exchange rates), marks a significant expansion of Aramco's downstream operations in China.
In a move that highlights their strategic collaboration, Aramco, the renowned Saudi Arabian oil company, has entered into a long-term sales agreement with Zhejiang Petroleum and Chemical Co. Ltd. (ZPC), an affiliate of Rongsheng. As per the agreement, Aramco will provide a substantial supply of 480,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Arabian crude oil to ZPC. This arrangement is expected to have a significant impact on the oil market and further solidify the relationship between these two industry giants. In a significant move, Aramco Overseas Company (AOC), a subsidiary fully owned by Aramco, has announced its intention to acquire the stake in Rongsheng.
Rongsheng, a prominent company, boasts a significant stake of 51% in ZPC. Notably, ZPC is responsible for overseeing and managing China's most extensive integrated refining and chemical complex. This impressive facility possesses the capability to process a staggering 800,000 barrels per day of crude oil. Additionally, it has the capacity to produce a remarkable 4.2 million metric tons of ethylene annually.
In a recent statement, Mohammed Y. Al Qahtani, the esteemed Executive Vice President of Downstream at Aramco, expressed the company's unwavering dedication to China and their strong confidence in the underlying principles of the Chinese petrochemicals industry. In a significant move that underscores Aramco's growth aspirations and commitment to its liquids-to-chemicals strategy, the company has made a crucial acquisition in a pivotal market. This development is poised to have a profound impact on Aramco's trajectory, bolstering its position and opening up new avenues for expansion. In addition, it pledges to ensure the steady and dependable provision of crucial crude oil to a significant Chinese refinery.
In a recent statement, Li Shuirong, Chairman of Rongsheng, expressed his enthusiasm for a strategic collaboration that is set to elevate the longstanding friendship and mutual trust between the parties involved. This partnership is poised to open doors to a promising future for the global petrochemicals industry, marked by high-quality development. In a statement, it has been expressed that the involvement of Aramco is expected to play a significant role in facilitating Rongsheng's implementation of its petrochemical growth strategy.
In a significant development, Aramco, Rongsheng, and ZPC are set to forge a crucial partnership, with the former making a substantial investment. This collaboration holds immense significance as ZPC boasts cutting-edge chemical conversion facilities, placing it among the world's most advanced.
In a significant development, a major transaction has been announced involving the off-market secondary sale of Rongsheng shares. The majority shareholder, Zhejiang Rongsheng Holding Group, is involved in this noteworthy deal. What makes this transaction even more intriguing is the potential for future collaboration between the parties involved. This collaboration could encompass various areas such as trading, refining, chemical production, and technology licensing. The anticipated closure of the transaction is slated for the end of 2023, pending the necessary regulatory approvals.
In a recent development, the Aramco joint venture, Huajin Aramco Petrochemical Company (HAPCO), has revealed its intention to commence construction of a significant integrated refinery and petrochemical complex in northeast China during the second quarter of 2023. This decision comes after the announcement made on March 26 regarding the venture's plans. In a significant development, Aramco, the renowned energy company, has announced its intention to provide a substantial amount of crude oil feedstock to the complex it holds a 30% stake in, known as HAPCO. Under this agreement, Aramco will supply up to 210,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil feedstock to the complex, marking a notable contribution to the operations of HAPCO.
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Aramco has joined forces with Rongsheng and the HAPCO joint venture to establish a formidable partnership. This strategic alliance will witness Aramco providing a substantial quantity of 690,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude to fuel the high chemical conversion assets. This move is set to revolutionize the industry and pave the way for unprecedented advancements in the field.