Manama: Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), the world's largest aluminium smelter on one site, has announced a strategic partnership with Shandong Innovation Group (SIG) and BlueFive Capital. This collaboration, unveiled on the sidelines of the 3rd Gateway Gulf Forum 2025, aims to optimise the global aluminium supply chain, ranging from upstream smelting to high-value downstream products.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the partnership brings together Alba's extensive operational scale, SIG's expertise in aluminium alloy manufacturing, and BlueFive Capital's strategic investment capabilities. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlines plans to explore joint investments, knowledge exchange, and strategic international alliances.
Ali Al Baqali, CEO of Alba, emphasized the significance of the MoU in reinforcing global resilience and resource security. He highlighted that the partnership offers opportunities for upstream investment beyond Bahrain, ensuring a steady raw material supply and reinforcing Alba's international footprint to bolster Bahrain's industrial advancement.
Charles Cui, Vice Chairman of Shandong Innovation Group, remarked that the alliance leverages Alba's smelting proficiency, SIG's manufacturing prowess, and BlueFive Capital's strategic insights to fortify and integrate the global aluminium industry. The collaboration seeks to establish innovative supply chains and promote knowledge sharing to elevate industry standards on a global scale.
Hazem Ben-Gacem, Founder and CEO of BlueFive Capital, noted that the agreement establishes a trilateral partnership linking industrial capability, technological advancement, and strategic investment. He underscored BlueFive Capital's role in fostering cross-border collaborations that facilitate new growth opportunities between Bahrain and China.