China managing director visits SSPC, reviews retail operations

Nader Al-Arfaj, Aramco China managing director, paid a visit to Sinopec Senmei (Fujian) Petroleum Company (SSPC) on May 7, holding discussions with local management on operational performance, safety, and the company’s long-term development in the Chinese market. The visit formed part of the company’s ongoing engagement with joint ventures and operating assets in China. 

Meeting with SSPC leadership

During the visit, Al-Arfaj met with SSPC Chairman and President Shi Lei and members of the management team. The discussion covered recent business achievements, operational priorities and evolving retail and energy landscape. 

Al-Arfaj noted Aramco attaches importance to its cooperation in Fujian Province. He pointed to the investment in Gulei Phase II as a reflection of that commitment. He added that Aramco will continue to explore additional investment opportunities in Fujian in line with market conditions and strategic priorities.

Referring to Aramco’s retail footprint in international markets such as Chile, Pakistan, and the Philippines, Al-Arfaj noted that SSPC, together with Fujian Refining & Petrochemical (FREP), represents Aramco’s first joint venture investment in China. He described this as a cornerstone of the company’s long‑term engagement in the Chinese market.

The discussion also covered the change in the retail and energy landscape. Al-Arfaj asked about SSPC’s progress in applying artificial intelligence and intelligent systems in daily operations. He said digital tools and data‑driven approaches are increasingly important in supporting efficiency, safety and informed decision‑making.

Al-Arfaj commended SSPC for maintaining solid performance amid a challenging market environment and wider geopolitical uncertainty. He said the joint venture’s experience offers practical insights that could be shared more broadly across Aramco’s retail network.

Shi welcomed the visit and expressed appreciation for the proactive engagement. He said regular dialogue with Aramco’s leadership helps strengthen mutual understanding and supports the long‑term development of the partnership. He noted the company’s health, safety and environmental record continues to rank among the top level within the Sinopec system.

He said SSPC has maintained stable financial results and continued regular dividend distributions. Sales volumes in 2025 exceeded internal targets and outperformed many Sinopec affiliates, despite a challenging market.

Shi also addressed structural change in the retail market. He referred to the impact of electric vehicles and alternative fuels and outlined SSPC’s work on EV charging and battery swapping as part of its response to shifting mobility demand.

Both sides identified opportunities to deepen cooperation beyond current arrangements. These include personnel exchanges and trainee programs. They also discussed potential collaboration with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), particularly in areas related to new energy and future mobility solutions.

Visit to Huangshan service station 

Al-Arfaj also paid a visit to Huangshan Service Station in Fuzhou. The station provides traditional fuel services alongside electric vehicle charging, solar photovoltaic power and EV battery swapping. It also includes a convenience store, vehicle maintenance facilities, and manual and automated car wash services.

The site visit provided Al-Arfaj with a firsthand view of how integrated energy concepts are applied at the retail level, as well as insights into customer experience, safety standards, and operational efficiency. Through engagement with SSPC management and frontline staff, he gained a broader understanding of how the joint venture is adapting to market changes while maintaining strong operational discipline.

The visit concluded with agreement to continue regular dialogue. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of senior management engagement in supporting long term partnership and sustainable development in China’s evolving retail and energy market.

Aramco Asia Vice President of South China Portfolio Management and Xiamen Branch Manager Meshal Al-Kharboush, SSPC Vice President of Supply and Distribution Paul Poon (Aramco Asia secondee), and Aramco Asia South China Portfolio Management JV Manager Justin Jiang joined Al-Arfaj throughout the visit.