Mumbai, Dec 10 (IANS): The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has entered into a framework agreement with Reliance Industries (RIL) to explore development of ethylene dichloride (EDC) facility at Ruwais in the western region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The EDC, a chemical compound, is a basic building-block for manufacture of PVC, which plays a critical role in housing and agriculture sectors. The demand for PVC in the Indian vinyls market is expected to grow significantly.

As per the agreement, ADNOC and RIL will evaluate setting up a EDC manufacturing facility, adjacent to ADNOC's integrated refining and petrochemical site in Ruwais, and "strengthen the companies' relationship supporting future collaboration in petrochemicals".

"ADNOC will supply ethylene to the potential joint venture and provide access to world-class infrastructure at Ruwais, while RIL will deliver operational expertise and entry to the large and growing Indian vinyls market, in which it is a key participant," the company said in a statement.