Morished explained that the European export credit agencies' contribution to these loans amounts to a total amount of SR 2.625 billion (US$ 700 million), which is equal to 29% of the commercial financing. "This clearly reflects the confidence of these institutions in the future of YANSAB and the petrochemical industry in the Kingdom as a whole." He added that this confidence is also reflected through the number of participating banks. There are 19 in all, including 9 international and 3 regional banks. The coverage of commercial loans has exceeded the required amount by 65%. The contribution of the PIF is SR 4 billion (US$ 1.067 billion). Al-Morished lauded the PIF as well as the participating banks' confidence in SABIC. YANSAB is a Saudi joint stock company. SABIC owns 55% of YANSAB. A group of 17 local and regional companies owns 10% of the company's shares. Saudi citizens own 35% following a public subscription process, which was described as the largest of its kind in the Saudi market. YANSAB has completed awarding all engineering, procurement and construction contracts. The implementation works are well on track according to the plan. The complex is expected to go on stream and enter the stage of commercial production in 2008. It is one of the world's largest petrochemical complexes with an annual capacity exceeding 4 million metric tons of petrochemical products which will boost SABIC's contributions to national development plans and strengthen its competitive capabilities in the global markets. The complex will also create 1,500 promising job opportunities for Saudi nationals, according to a press release of SABIC issued here yesterday.
