Rosneft Could Accelerate Global Expansion in 2017, Says WoodMac

Rosneft PJSC has the opportunity to accelerate its international expansion next year as the political environment becomes more favorable for the state-run Russian oil producer. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s “Russia-friendly rhetoric” and the appointment of Exxon Mobil Corp. Chief Executive Officer Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State “are likely to have a profound impact on the way Russia is perceived by the West,” according to consultant Wood Mackenzie Ltd. Rosneft has recent international success to build upon — its $1.1 billion purchase of a stake in an Egyptian gas field and the Russian government’s sale of 19.5 percent of the company to Glencore Plc and Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund.