Aramco is deepening its strategic partnership with China, with a landmark petrochemical project in Liaoning entering its commissioning phase and signalling a shift from decades of crude oil trade to large-scale industrial integration.

 

At the 7th China Liaoning International Fair for Investment and Trade, Aramco China Managing Director Nader Al-Arfaj outlined the company’s expanding relationship with China, highlighting new opportunities in energy, chemicals, technology, investment and community development.

 

The milestone comes as Aramco marks 35 years since its first crude oil shipment to China. What began as a traditional energy partnership has since grown into a broad strategic relationship spanning industrial investment, innovation and social development.

 

Liaoning province is emerging as a key centrepiece of that evolution.

 

At the heart of the partnership is Huajin Aramco Petrochemical Company (HAPCO), a world-scale integrated refining and petrochemical complex jointly developed by Aramco, NORINCO Group and Panjin Xincheng Industrial Group.

 

After years of collaboration, the project has officially entered its commissioning phase, marking a major step forward in one of the most significant China-Saudi industrial cooperation projects to date.

 

In early October, HAPCO received its first Aramco crude cargo—35 years after the Saudi energy giant made its first crude oil shipment to China.

 

The delivery underscores how the relationship has evolved beyond energy trade towards industrial integration, shared investment and long-term economic growth.

 

Aramco’s engagement in Liaoning also extends beyond industrial investment, with a focus on education, livelihoods and opportunities for young people.

 

Through initiatives including the Children Benefit Project, the Aramco Asia Hope School program, peach tree planting and the “Shoot for the Future” basketball court renovation initiative with the Yao Foundation, the company supports children’s education, local farmers and youth development.

 

These programmes form part of Aramco’s broader efforts to build lasting ties with communities in the regions where it operates and invests.

 

Looking ahead, Al-Arfaj pointed to further opportunities for cooperation in refining, chemicals, advanced materials, innovation, technology and talent development, reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to the province.

 

“Aramco believes there are significant opportunities to deepen cooperation in refining and chemicals, advanced materials, innovation, technology, and talent development. As a company that thinks in decades, not quarters, we are committed to being a long-term partner in Liaoning's continued growth and revival, ” he concluded.

 

The Liaoning International Fair for Investment and Trade serves as a flagship platform for advancing the province’s economic opening-up and international cooperation.

 

Held under the theme “New Drivers from Opening-up, New Chapter of Revitalization,” this year’s event attracted nearly 3,000 delegates from more than 50 countries and regions, underscoring Liaoning’s ambition to strengthen international partnerships and drive its next phase of economic development.