10th Handelsblatt Annual Conference of the Chemicals and Petrochemicals Industry Chemistry 2009. The meeting place for industry and investors, policy makers, scientists and academics 5th and 6th May 2009, Dusseldorf (Germany)

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Opening address to the 10th Handelsblatt Annual Conference of the
Chemicals and Petrochemicals Industry by Dr Jürgen Hambrecht,
Chairman of the Executive Board, BASF SE

The chemicals industry and its various customers are all facing tough times in 2009 and at the moment no one can accurately predict how the global economy is likely to develop in the months ahead.

Nevertheless we should not lose sight of the fact that long-term opportunities will still be there for our industry. Chemicals quite simply continue to be a driving force for innovation when it comes to finding solutions for global challenges, whether it be global warming, access to food, water and energy, providing mobility and generally improving the quality of life for the world’s growing population.

In a nutshell: we want to use chemistry to shape the future and we can still do this even if times are difficult. But what we need above all is excellence in innovation. We have forward-looking new technologies to hand, such as plant biotechnology and nanotechnology. We will be developing these further and finding new applications – for our own success and that of our customers.

A look back at the history of the chemicals industry shows that development and progress was only made possible by having the courage to try out new things. This is just as true today as it will be in the future.

Networking and exchanging ideas within the industry is one sure way to progress. I will therefore conclude by wishing you all an exciting conference full of interesting and stimulating debates.

Dr Jürgen Hambrecht