Industries using hydrocarbon resources (petroleum and gas) play an important role in the Saudi economy. These industries contribute to Saudi exports and Gross National
Product (GNP), attract native and international capitals, and provide opportunities for national employment.
Over the past two decades, the role of these industries has markedly increased. The Kingdom’s share of petrochemicals has reached 7% of the Gross International Product. This percentage is expected to increase steadily over forthcoming years.
In this regard, Eng. Ali Ibrahim Al-Naimi, the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, explained in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that large quantities of gas and gas-related products, derived from Saudi Aramco’s current and future projects, have recently been assigned to a number of industrial projects in the
Kingdom. This move will facilitate Saudi and international investments in ten giant projects, which are expected to produce enormous amounts of petrochemical and mineral products. The outcome is estimated to be production of 18 million metric tonnes annually. This amount represents a significant increase in quantitative and qualitative levels of production of petrochemicals and minerals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Al-Naimi said that products of these projects would form the basis for other industries, such as plastics, carpets, insulation, industrial solutions, fertilizers, and other various metals. Some products will be manufactured for the first time in the Kingdom, which will enhance the Kingdom’s international position in the fields of petrochemicals, fertilization, and mineral industries.
Investments in the new gas projects and related products produced by Saudi Aramco industrial projects will be worth approximately SR75 billion (US$20 billion), Eng. Al-Naimi estimated. The projects will provide over 12,000 job opportunities. The projects will begin operations between years 2006 and 2009.
Al-Naimi said that the projects would enhance and develop the Saudi economy over forthcoming years, particularly petroleum and gas-related activities.
Over the past four years, large amounts of gas and gas-related products produced by Saudi Aramco projects were allocated to execute 19 projects with capital investment of an estimated SR26 billion (US$ 7 billion). These projects will create over 3,500 job opportunities. The projects will reach the stage of production within the next three years.
Source: SPA
