Saudi Aramco inks US$7B Malaysian mega-deal
by The Associated Press
Saudi Arabai's state-owned oil producer signed the deal with Malaysia's national oil company Petronas, which is developing a $27 billion refinery and cracker plant
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—Oil major Saudi Aramco has signed a $7 billion deal to take a 50 per cent stake in a mega Malaysian oil refinery project, in a pact official said will help Saudi Arabia increase trade in Southeast Asia.
Aramco inked the agreement Feb. 28 with Malaysia’s national oil company Petronas, which is developing the $27 billion refinery and cracker plant in southern Johor state.
Officials have said the deal will make Aramco the single largest investor in Malaysia.
Saudi’s Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih said the Malaysian deal will help expand Aramco’s portfolio ahead of its initial public offering next year, which is touted to become the world’s largest share sale.
The deal was signed as Saudi King Salman visited on a multi-nation tour to build up economic ties with Asia.
