Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) signed several strategic agreements with Chinese companies during the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. The participation brought together Adnoc and three of its subsidiaries – Masdar, Borouge and TA’ZIZ – as part of a programme to strengthen their commercial positions in the Chinese market.
Among the key announcements, Adnoc Global Trading (AGT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) to explore synergies between their refining and trading systems. In parallel, Adnoc renewed its crude oil supply agreements with CNOOC and Chinese oil firm ZhenHua Oil, further consolidating a long-standing energy partnership between the United Arab Emirates and China.
Industrial agreements and development of petrochemical projects
TA’ZIZ formalised the award of a $1.99bn Engineering, Procurement and Construction contract to China National Chemical Engineering & Construction Corporation Seven for the development of the UAE’s first polyvinyl chloride (PVC) production complex. This site ranks among the top three largest integrated single-site PVC plants in the world.
In the petrochemical sector, Borouge signed strategic agreements with three Chinese cable manufacturers to supply materials for renewable energy projects. An additional memorandum was concluded with two waste management and recycling firms to strengthen infrastructure in Ningbo, an industrial hub in China’s Zhejiang province.
Focus on energy innovation and sustainable infrastructure
In a series of bilateral meetings, Masdar showcased its flagship solar and battery storage plant, described as the most technologically advanced in the world. This facility is designed to deliver up to 1 gigawatt (GW) of baseload renewable energy, reflecting increasing demand for hybrid utility-scale solutions.
The expo also served as a platform to promote the “Make it with Adnoc” industrial initiative, which aims to encourage partnerships with local and international suppliers. The group also took part in the UAE-China Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum.
Creation of a new international forum on water management
On the sidelines of the event, the Sino-International Entrepreneurs Federation (SIEF) and Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) announced the launch of the Blue Forum, scheduled for 2026 in Abu Dhabi. The forum will aim to drive international investment in sustainable water solutions, focusing on innovation, finance and policy alignment.
Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and Executive Office Director at Adnoc, led the delegation in Shanghai. He stated that the group’s presence at CIIE was a strategic decision to reinforce its relationships with key Chinese energy players and explore new commercial opportunities.
