Riyadh - Mubasher: Saudi Aramco has awarded 16 deals to local companies worth more than SAR 26 billion ($6.93 billion), Reuters reported on Saturday.

The contracts are part of the strategy to expand the Saudi industrial base and manufacturing sector, seeking a bigger share of the kingdom's total gross domestic product (GDP).

The 10-year purchase agreements were signed on 1 May and will focus on the supply of pressure vessels by local manufacturers, according to Aramco.