The complex in Fujian province will include plants for PE and PP

ExxonMobil is a partner in a huge refinery expansion and new petrochemical complex being planned in Fujian province in China.

The US group signed agreements yesterday to join a consortium with the local government and Aramco of Saudi Arabia, which holds a half share in the $3.5bn (E2.9m) project. The other 50% is held by China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (Sinopec).

The complex, due to come on-stream in 2008, includes an 800,000tpa ethylene cracker as well as plants for both polyethylene and polypropylene. The Fujian Integrated Project is described as the first fully integrated Sino-foreign project to meet China’s rapidly growing demand for petroleum and petrochemicals.