Aramco Asia holds summit to expand supplier base in China

Aramco Asia Procurement & Supply Chain Management (PSCM) hosted 2025 China Supplier Summit to further enhance supplier relations and industrial innovation in Shanghai on May 15. 

The one-day summit, themed “Partnering for Growth, Investing for Future”, has attracted over 350 attendees from 182 companies to deepen collaboration, explore innovative technologies, and discuss future business opportunities. 

The event served as a strategic platform to share opportunities, strengthen partnerships, promote iktva program, and expand Aramco supplier base from cost competitive markets for both materials and services.

In his keynote speech, Sulaiman M. Al Rubaian, senior vice president of Aramco Procurement & Supply Chain Management, highlighted China’s remarkable growth and Aramco’s efforts to strengthen relationship with Chinese suppliers. 

Al Rubaian noted, “Aramco is a longtime partner to many Chinese companies that have supported the company’s steady growth. Our suppliers here in China are not just vendors but vital partners who share our commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement. Together, we have built a foundation of mutual trust, operational excellence, and shared success.” 

“Our mutual partnership has more than 600 approved Chinese manufacturers to supply Aramco with materials, and nearly 300 service providers perform services for us. A shining example was the 2024 delivery of Aramco's first mega offshore platform fabricated in China. Doing business with China has made Aramco’s business more cost efficient, resilient and reliable,” Al Rubaian added. 

During the forum, Aramco Asia signed three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with investors and suppliers. The agreement with Yanda Group centered on a substantial investment plan to establish a fabrication yard in Saudi Arabia, which marks the first facility of its kind in the Kingdom. The collaboration with Sinopec Oilfield Equipment Corporation concentrated on fracturing equipment, drilling rigs, and compressors. The final one, signed with the Nantong Economic & Technological Development Area (NETDA), aimed to connect manufacturers with Aramco by facilitating the international expansion of Chinese companies.

Also showcased at the event was the whitepaper of China's Petrochemical Industry in the Context of Dual Carbon Goals, which outlined strategic pathways to achieve sustainable growth while aligning with China’s ambitious carbon neutrality and emissions reduction targets. The report provides in-depth analysis, policy recommendations, and innovative solutions to drive the industry's low-carbon transformation. 

Key sessions covered Aramco’s upcoming projects, iktva program and opportunities, and suppliers’ qualification process. The Ministry of Investment (MISA) and the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF) presented opportunities in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030. The event also featured success stories of Chinese investments in the Kingdom.

The 2025 China Supplier Summit underscored Aramco Asia’s commitment to fostering long-term, value-driven partnerships with its suppliers. By aligning strategic priorities and embracing innovation, the event set the stage for a more resilient and collaborative supply chain ecosystem.