BASF, Chinese Environmental Academy Launch China's 1st Official Engine Test Lab

BEIJING, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The world's chemical leader BASF and the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences (CRAES) inaugurated the country's first official vehicle fuels and fuel additives laboratory in Beijing Tuesday.

The test center, which is also the first independent engine test lab in China, has been built with technical and financial assistance by BASF.

The laboratory, located on the CRAES site in Northern Beijing, will operate according to internationally recognized procedures in assessing the quality of Chinese gasoline, according to official sources.

The lab will provide recommendations supported by data from the testing to China's decisionmakers on environmental issues like the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA), which will be used to set and supervise regulatory standards for fuel quality.

SEPA, which is the government body that administers CRAES, is responsible for regulating the quality of fuels for motor vehicles and reducing emissions. The ultimate goal of the new lab is to support China in reducing vehicle emissions and bring about a cleaner environment in Beijing and the rest of China.

Wu Xiaoqing, Deputy Minister of SEPA, who addressed the ceremony, said, "With the opening of the laboratory, Beijing will be in a better position to cope with the increased traffic and environmental pressure that will come in the lead-up to the 2008 Olympic Games."

The establishment of this lab shows that Beijing and China are making concrete steps in environmental protection and sustainable development. I am also delighted to see this important development in the strategic cooperation between BASF and SEPA realized here today, the official said. Johnny Kwan, Managing Director of BASF China Limited said during the ceremony, "This engine test lab is a key project for BASF in demonstrating our support for China's sustainable development. We are sharing the most advanced engine testing technology and experiences gained from our global market presence with CRAES. "

Meng Wei, director of CRAES said, "Good gasoline and additives are very important for environmental protection." The lab will help CRAES increase its research capability in improving fuel quality, with a more effective regulatory system for emissions contributing to a cleaner environment, he said.

The two parties will hold a technical seminar here Wednesday to exchange information, technology and expertise on other environmental topics, such as soil and water protection, and waste treatment, according to Meng.

BASF, which is headquartered in Germany, manufactures products ranging from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas.

According to company sources, in 2004, BASF had approximately 82,000 employees and posted sales of more than 37 billion Euro. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA), New York (BF) and Zurich (AN).

BASF is one of the largest foreign investors in China's chemical industry. The company currently has over 4,000 employees and operates 14 wholly owned subsidiaries and 9 joint ventures in Shanghai, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Jilin, Shenyang and Hsinchu.

BASF maintains offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Qingdao, Chengdu and Taipei. In 2004, BASF achieved sales of over 1.9 billion Euro in Greater China.