(Sept. 12) – Versalis, a chemical company wholly owned and controlled by Eni, has officially entered the Asian market with the opening of its first regional office in Shanghai. The office was inaugurated today by Versalis CEO, Daniele Ferrari. In Asia, Versalis will be the operator through Eni Chemicals Trading and Versalis Pacific Trading. These are two newly established companies, wholly owned by Versalis, that are designed to operate directly in China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Australia, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan and Bangladesh. As part of its new international strategy, Versalis aims to gain a leadership position in emerging markets by leveraging its technological and industrial expertise. Versalis’ direct presence in the Asia-Pacific region will allow for better monitoring of the industrial and market dynamics, and for direct interaction with clients in sectors of strategic interest. Eni Chemicals Trading and Versalis Pacific Trading will handle the import and sale of chemical products, technology licenses and the development of partnerships in Asia. Recently, Versalis has also formed a joint venture with Petronas, a market leader for the chemical industries in Asia, for the development of its elastomer division, the company’s main sales focus in Asia. The agreement provides for the development and joint operation of a production facility for elastomers, in Pengerang, Johor. The elastomers will be produced at Petronas’s refinery and integrated center for the development, and the production and marketing of synthetic rubbers will benefit from Versalis’ technical expertise. (red)
