The Middle East and North Africa

Driven by rapid economic growth and a sudden surge in population, the region is seeing a the critical need for infrastructure and urban development, including electricity and water supply, as well as a sharp rise in demand for automobiles, construction machinery and agri-marine products, all of which is generating a wealth of potential opportunities.

To address needs and keep pace with the rapidly changing operating environment, in fiscal 2006 Marubeni appointed a general manager to oversee the 15 business bases located throughout the region and further strengthen business.

In energy resource exploration and production, Marubeni is a partner in the Qatargas LNG Project. Currently, the Company handles shipments to Japan totaling six million metric tons annually. Marubeni is also responsible for the long-term stable supply of naphtha, a raw material used in the production of petrochemicals, to Japan and Asia, accounting for 10% to 20% of production volumes in the Middle East. In addition, we are a long-standing participant in off-taking and the distribution of crude oil and petroleum products.

Stealing the jump on its competitors, Marubeni was quick to commence the operational management of IWPP projects in Tunisia and Turkey. Thereafter, the Company received orders for large-scale projects in Taweelah, Abu Dhabi, and Mesaaied, Qatar. Furthermore, Marubeni concluded a contract for the supply of electricity, water and steam power in connection with a substantial petrochemical project in Rabigh, Saudi Arabia. With IWPP projects constituting the Group’s main strength in the region, Marubeni is establishing a significant presence throughout the Middle East and North Africa.

Reflecting an upturn in railway and other transport projects, Marubeni is constructing a monorail system in Dubai to service the man-made Palm Jumeirah resort island. Also, a Marubeni-led consortium has been awarded a contract for a large portion of an undersea rail tunnel beneath Turkey’s Bosporus Straits linking Asia and Europe.

Having started construction in 2002, Marubeni effectively completed the installation of a water transmission scheme extending 250km from a plant at Shuweihat to Musaffah, Abu Dhabi. The Company is also constructing a sewage treatment plant and water pump station and installing power transmission lines in Qatar. Going forward, Marubeni will actively pursue environment-related projects, focusing particularly on water supply and sewage systems.

Significant demand growth is forecast in the consumer goods market. Against this backdrop, Marubeni will step up its activities in chemicals, for which the region is expected to serve as a global product supply source, and construction machinery, an area where demand is surging due to an infrastructure development boom, as well as agri-products and automobiles.

Marubeni is committed to expanding its activities across a variety of fields, including infrastructure development and consumer goods, in the Middle East and North Africa.