Dubai’s Enoc secures Dh844m loan from Chinese bank for expansion

Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc) has secured a $230 million (Dh844 million) unsecured loan from the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd (ICBC), one of China's 'Big Four' state-owned commercial banks.

The loan deal was agreed with the bank's branch located at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a statement said.

The five-year loan is part of Enoc’s sustainable funding strategy which was arranged at competitive and flexible terms. The loan will enhance the continuous contribution of the state-owned company to UAE’s and Dubai’s economic development.

Petri Pentti, Chief Financial Officer at Enoc Group, said: "Enoc has a long-term strategy in place which is not greatly impacted by the change in the economic climate of the region. We are confident of our growth plans and will continue to move ahead with our expansion plans across Supply Trading & Processing, Retail, Marketing, Terminals and Exploration and Production businesses."

The company said the loan will help it fund new projects and support the company's expansion strategy and business operations in the shadow of the challenges faced by the international oil and gas market.

"This deal is an indicator of Enoc's global marketplace intentions. The trust placed by the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in us is a big testament of our robust business and financial performance," added Pentti.

Despite the difficult macroeconomic landscape, Enoc revenues increased by 45 per cent over the last five years, reflecting strong operational and sales performance, and increased efficiencies in supply chain management in domestic and overseas markets such as North Africa and the Far East.

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