Borouge, a leading provider of plastics solutions, signed a partnership agreement with the China University of Petroleum on Monday in Guangzhou to extend coverage of its sponsorship program to five universities.

"Signing the sponsorship agreement with Chinese universities is in line with our global commitment to attract and develop qualified scientific talent in the chemical industry across Asia," said Wim Roels, CEO of Borouge's marketing and sales company.

Through its scholarship progam launched in 2009, Borouge has established partnerships with leading Asian universities focusing on chemical and polymer science, engineering and technology, especially in China.

With the expansion of its Abu Dhabi-based plant, the company is expanding its operations to contribute to the demand growth of the Chinese polyolefins market, which is expected to surge from 32 million to 59 million tons a year in the next few years.