A new consultant Dr. Martin Brudermueller, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the chemical giant BASF SE, will attend the the coming 2019 ICCFED. He highlighted the importance of a well-planned industrial cluster in developing Guangdong’s chemical industry during an interview from Newsgd.com.
Dr. Martin Brudermueller is a new friend of the ICCFED. [Photo provided to Newgd.com]
“The chemical industry is the industry of industries,” the doctor comments, as it supplies industries like transportation, construction, aerospace, consumer goods, home and personal care products and even high-tech industries such as electronics. “However, chemical products in South China are under-supplied,” he said.
Flags raised at BASF Verbund site in China. [Photo provided to Newgd.com]
To develop its chemical industry, Guangdong needs to increase renewable energy supply, enhance railway transportation, enable circular value chains and build a chemicals industry cluster. A well-planned industrial cluster will ensure better use of resources not only in production, but also in logistics and infrastructures, according to Dr. Brudermueller.
Over the past few years, the Chinese government has been enhancing its services to businesses. As a multinational company doing business in China, BASF has benefited from the simplified approval processes as well as the broadening of market access.
In July 2018, the two sides signed Framework Agreement to establish a Verbund site in Zhanjiang. It is the company’s second Verbund site in China. Construction on the 1st phase will start before the end of this year. The new fully integrated site will adopt smart manufacturing concepts with latest technology to maximize resources and energy efficiency.
The Ludwigshafen Verbund site of BASF. [Photo provided to Newgd.com]
BASF employees connected with remote technical experts via VR glasses. [Photo provided to Newgd.com]
BASF executives visited local communities in the East Sea Island of Zhanjiang, bringing classes on safety to primary school students. [Photo provided to Newgd.com]
The Greater Bay Area is an attractive place for talent, providing a perfect environment for the chemicals industry to thrive. “Enormous, inclusive and vigorous” is Dr. Brudermueller’s impression of the region.
Energized by Industry 4.0 and the strong development of digitalisation in Guangdong, BASF hopes to participate in this development journey by contributing its in-depth knowhow in chemistry and sharing its best practice in sustainable business.
Reported by Nan, Hannah
Edited by Olivia, Simon