RIYADH: Energy giant Saudi Aramco and China-based Rongsheng Petrochemical Co. have signed a framework agreement to boost the expansion of a subsidiary of the state-owned oil company.

According to a press statement, the tripartite agreement outlines a cooperation framework and detailed plans to design and develop Saudi Aramco Jubail Refinery Co. or SASREF. The initiative is expected to enhance SASREF’s refining and petrochemical capabilities.

The deal follows an announcement made in April that Aramco and Rongsheng Petrochemical had signed a partnership agreement related to the planned formation of a joint venture in SASREF. 

Aramco’s long-standing relationship with China spans more than three decades.

This new framework agreement is part of the company’s broader strategy to solidify its position in the global energy landscape while supporting the Kingdom’s economic growth.

“By aligning our efforts, Aramco and Rongsheng Petrochemical aim to deliver additional value to our stakeholders,” said Aramco Downstream President Mohammed Al-Qahtani.

He added: “This development framework agreement underscores Aramco’s intentions to foster closer collaboration with key partners and progressing its strategic downstream expansion, both in Saudi Arabia and internationally. It also highlights the potential of the Kingdom’s downstream sector to attract overseas players.”

Li Shuirong, chairman of Rongsheng Petrochemical, said that the collaborative project will contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program and China’s Belt and Road initiative. 

“The signing of the development framework agreement sets the stage for Rongsheng Petrochemical’s in-depth participation in the SASREF expansion project,” said Shuirong. 

He added: “Saudi Arabia has abundant energy resources and significant market potential, and Rongsheng Petrochemical will bring strong momentum to the partnership through our excellent operation and management capabilities and market competitiveness.” 

The SASREF expansion project is located in Jubail Industrial City along the Arabian Gulf coast in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province. 

The project, which is currently in the pre-front-end engineering design stage, envisages the construction of large-scale steam crackers and the integration of associated downstream derivatives into the existing SASREF complex, enhancing its ability to meet the growing demand for high-quality petrochemical products, the statement added. 

Earlier in November, Aramco, in partnership with China Petrochemical & Chemical Corp. and Fujian Petrochemical Co., started the construction of a refinery and petrochemical complex in the Asian nation’s Fujian province. 

The undertaking, which is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2030, includes an oil refinery with a capacity of 320,000 barrels per day, according to a press statement.

It will also have a 1.5 million tonnes-per-year ethylene unit, a 2 million tonnes paraxylene and downstream derivatives capacity, and a 300,000 tonnes crude oil terminal.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index edged up on Tuesday, as it gained 45.53 points or 0.38 percent to close at 11,875.91. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR6.09 billion ($1.62 billion) with 138 stocks advancing, while 90 declining. 

The parallel market, Nomu, however, marginally slipped by 0.09 percent to 29,570.56. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index gained 4.76 points to close at 1,491.83.

The best-performing stock of the day was Shatirah House Restaurant Co., also known as Burgerizzr. The company’s share price increased by 9.98 percent to SR22.26. 

The share price of Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair Co. increased by 8.29 percent to SR14.10, while the stock price of Development Works Food Co. surged by 6.85 percent to SR131. 

Conversely, the share price of Al-Baha Investment and Development Co. slipped by 9.68 percent to SR0.28. 

On the parallel market, the best performer was Knowledge Tower Trading Co., whose share price surged by 9.61 percent to SR10.84.

On the announcements front, Molan Steel Co. said it signed a memorandum of understanding with Yara International Limited Co. to acquire 100 percent of Mayar International Industry. 

In a Tadawul statement, the company said that the financial consideration for the transaction depends on the results of the financial evaluation and due diligence.

The company added that the transaction will be financed through Molan Steel’s cash flows and resources. 

According to the statement, the acquisition will be subject to a number of regulatory approvals including relevant authorities in the Kingdom. 

Molan Steel Co.’s share price increased by 2.84 percent to SR3.26.