Aramco, SINOPEC begin China refinery and petrochemical project
Aramco, SINOPEC, and Fujian Petrochemical Company Limited (FPCL) have commenced construction on an integrated refining and petrochemical complex in Fujian Province, China. Designed to meet growing global demand for petrochemical products, the facility is a testament to the strengthening China-Saudi strategic partnership.
The cutting-edge project will feature a 16 million ton-per-year oil refining unit, a 1.5 million ton-per-year ethylene unit, and a two-million-ton paraxylene production capacity, alongside a 300,000-ton crude oil terminal. By the end of 2030, the facility aims to supply five million tons per year of feedstock to the Gulei Petrochemical Base, making a significant contribution to China’s dual circulation strategy.
Mohammed Y. Al Qahtani, Aramco Downstream president, emphasised the project’s importance, saying, “Today’s groundbreaking expands our downstream investment portfolio in China and reinforces our role as a reliable, long-term partner in the nation’s development. It also supports our liquids-to-chemicals strategy to meet rising global demand.”
SINOPEC Chairman Ma Yongsheng highlighted the collaborative milestone: “This partnership will ensure a reliable, competitive feedstock supply, strengthening the healthy development of the Gulei Petrochemical Base and advancing our mutual strategic goals.”
FPCL, a joint venture between SINOPEC and Fujian Petrochemical Industrial Group, owns a 50% stake in the complex, with Aramco and SINOPEC holding 25% each. This landmark initiative reflects both countries’ commitment to fostering high-quality development in the energy and petrochemical sectors.
