Search for JV partners in Malaysian petrochem project continues

Kuala Lumpur

PETRONAS Chemicals Bhd, a unit of Malaysia's state energy company, said it's in talks with petrochemical firms from Asia and Europe to invest in a US$27 billion oil refining and petrochemical project, sustaining hope it can find a partner after at least three previous deals fell through.

Companies from Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan and Italy have expressed interest in joining the Refinery and Petrochemicals Integrated Development, or Rapid, said chief executive officer Sazali Hamzah, declining to identify them.