Interview with Johnny Kwan, Chairman, BASF Greater China – I
October 21, 2012
Few people know that BASF, the world’s largest chemical company headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany, has been involved with the Greater China region since 1885. Back then, it started selling chemical dyes to Imperial China. Today BASF’s China offerings have grown beyond dyes to a diversified portfolio including petrochemicals, inorganics, polymer dispersions, polyurethanes, coatings, construction chemicals and crop protection products among other things.
BASF has become one of the largest foreign investors in the Chinese chemical industry, and it operates independently as well as through joint ventures. It has major investments in Shanghai, Nanjing and Chongqing. In 2005, it set up a $2.9 billion integrated petrochemical site in Nanjing, one of its six Verbund sites across the globe. BASF racked up sales of over EUR6.5 billion in 2011 in this region and it employs approximately 7,770 people.
Going forward, BASF sees a lot of potential in the China market. As Johnny Kwan, Chairman of BASF Greater China Country Board, puts it: “China today is already the number one market for chemistry and chemicals. For us, China is still only the third-largest market (after Germany and the US) so there is still some gap, and we have a very exciting challenge ahead of us.” BASF’s intent to develop its China operations further is already evident: in 2013 the company will unveil its Asia-Pacific Innovation Campus in Pudong.
In Part 1 of an interview with CKGSB Knowledge‘s Carol Wang, Kwan elaborates on BASF’s strategy for the Greater China operations and how the headquarters view the potential of China.
Enjoying what you’re reading?
CKGSB Report
Related Articles
Our Programs
Opportunities in the Disruption of Traditional Industries
In partnership with The University of Sydney
Global Unicorn Program Series
The Global Unicorn Program in Disruption of Traditional Industries – presented jointly by CKGSB and University of Sydney – will emphasize Australia’s distinctive contributions.
LocationSydney, Australia
Date24 - 27 Feb, 2026
LanguageEnglish
Emerging Markets: Innovation and Scaling for Exponential Growth
Global Unicorn Program Series
A joint program by Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business and The South Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry
LocationJohannesburg, South Africa
Date20 - 23 Apr, 2026
LanguageEnglish
Asia Start: AI + Digital China Expedition
Asia Start provides entrepreneurs and executives with unparalleled access to Asia’s dynamic digital economy and its business ecosystems, offering the latest trends and insights, strategies, and connections to overcome challenges and unlock future growth for your business in Asia and beyond.
LocationChina (Shanghai, Hangzhou, Shenzhen)
Date11 - 14 May, 2026
LanguageEnglish
Scaling Innovation: AI and Digital Strategies for Business Transformation
In partnership with Columbia Engineering
Global Unicorn Program Series
This program is designed to equip senior executives with the strategic insights and tools necessary to lead in this transformative era.
LocationNew York, USA
Date27 Sep - 02 Oct, 2026
LanguageEnglish
Emerging Tech Management Week: Silicon Valley
In partnership with UC Berkeley College of Engineering
Global Unicorn Program Series
This program equips participants with proven strategies, cutting-edge research, and the best-in-class advice to fuel innovation, seize emerging tech developments, and catalyse transformation within your organization.
LocationUC Berkeley
Date01 - 06 Nov, 2026
LanguageEnglish
Stanford & Silicon Valley Immersion Program
In partnership with Stanford Engineering Center for Global & Online Education
Global Unicorn Program Series
This CKGSB program equips entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and key stakeholders with the tools, insights, and skills necessary to lead a new generation of unicorn companies.
LocationStanford University Campus,
California, United States
Date06 - 11 Dec, 2026
LanguageEnglish with Chinese Translation
