RIYADH, 13 March 2004 — Saudi companies are vying for contracts worth $1 billion emerging from the gas projects which Saudi Aramco recently signed with Russian, Chinese, Italian and Spanish companies. Informed sources said several Saudi companies are trying individually and in groups to win the contracts to meet the needs of the international oil giants. They also said the gas projects would have a direct impact on the gross domestic product and per capita income of Saudis as they would boost secondary and support industries and create new jobs.