Saudi Arabia’s Aramco reshuffle is important, but China trade is critical


In depth
Issue 992 - 08 May 2015 | 6 minute read

There was symbolism in the fact that petroleum and mineral resources minister Ali Bin Ibrahim Al-Naimi, for long the government’s most senior non-royal, was in Beijing as King Salman Bin Abdelaziz reshuffled his government and control of the oil industry, in moves which should have lasting impact on Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) and the industry pecking order (see page 1). The separation of Aramco from the oil ministry, and the appointment of Saudi Aramco chief executive Khalid Al-Falih as health minister and as the oil giant’s chairman triggered further speculation about Naimi’s future, which the veteran petroleum minister immediately side-stepped by focusing on relations with China, which could prove critical to the kingdom’s future economic health.

Want to read more?

Extra Large Article

£595

(Access to one GSN article)

Subscribe to Gulf States Newsletter

View subscription options

Join our community

Sign up for an account to gain:

  • Set up news alerts on the countries and sectors that matter to you.
  • Free access to newsletter articles under 100 words.
  • Free access to GSN View articles articles.


View a selection of Free articles

Explore subscription options

Follow us on Google News