International

With one of the world’s largest natural gas reserves and a vision to become the “Gas Capital of the World,” Qatar is monetizing its wealth of resources through the production of value-added chemicals and energy products.

France played a central role in the chemistry revolution and now has a leading role in the modern chemicals industry. Manufacturing a wide range of chemicals, from basics and specialties to fine chemicals for pharmaceuticals, the industry is a major contributor to France’s economy.

Brazil has one of the world's largest chemical industries, but that industry faces major challenges in an increasingly competitive global economy.

Denmark’s chemicals industry is characterized by a variety of innovative companies, especially in the life sciences. To remain competitive, these companies must continue to invest in innovation, and the country’s universities must fill a growing need for highly educated engineering professionals.

Nigeria is a nation endowed with abundant natural resources and engineering talent. Current policy and reforms in the downstream and natural gas sectors are expected to boost Nigeria’s economy and restore growth and vibrancy to its chemical process industries.

The Turkish chemicals industry has the potential for significant growth, with increasing demand coming from both domestic and global markets. To capture this potential, the industry will need to increase production capacity and diversify its product portfolio.

Since Israel’s independence in 1948, its chemicals industry has flourished thanks to the Dead Sea and the minerals it provides. A highly educated and skilled workforce makes this small nation a global power player in the pharmaceutical and electronics industries.

Built upon the nation’s abundant coal reserves, South Africa’s chemicals industry spent much of the 20th century isolated from world trade. The abolishment of apartheid opened doors to its full participation in global markets.

Italy’s many small and medium-sized chemical companies are crucibles of innovation, whose exports have helped the country to establish a strong presence in the global chemicals market.

With abundant mineral resources, Chile’s chemicals industries are dominated by mining, with many of its operations among the world’s most productive and important.

Abundant and competitively priced petroleum feedstock has spurred massive growth in Saudi Arabia’s chemicals industry over the past five decades. As the Kingdom faces competition from neighboring countries, it will diversify to ensure further growth.

New investments in industry and raw materials, as well as the modernization of infrastructures and industry practices, can help to reverse México's growing trade deficit and restore the health of its chemical industry.

Chemical parks are synergistic environments for the companies located there — thanks to integration of infrastructure and shared resources and distribution networks. In Europe, Germany’s central location and unique geography have contributed to the...

South Korea's chemical industry is entering a position of leadership in the world market. However, new investments in energy resources, a shift to higher-value-added products, and development of core environmentally friendly technologies are needed...

The chemicals industry is a pillar of Singapore’s economic success. The island city-state’s emergence as a chemical industry leader has been boosted by investment in infrastructure and the creation of an industrial island complex.

The need to address ecological problems stemming from China’s burgeoning industrial growth is the impetus behind many recent developments in China’s surging chemical industry.

Since World War II, Taiwan’s chemical industry and economy have escalated dramatically. Self-sufficient in many areas, today Taiwan still faces the challenges imposed by government technical initiatives, international trade policies and regulations...

The recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan had a devastating impact on the people and industry of this economic and cultural giant. This article reflects on the emergence of Japan’s chemical industry in the half-century since World War II that led...

As China undergoes an industrial revolution, its once pristine lands are being choked by pollution from coal-fired plants. Spurred by the upcoming 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China is quickly cleaning the air. And, it has long-term plans to invest...