BASF, a chemical giant from Germany, is building its largest overseas production plants in Zhanjiang of Guangdong in Southern China. Our reporter Ning Hong visited the site to find out how the BASF integrated production site Zhangjiang Verbund is trying to reach sustainable development goals by situating its most advanced plant in China.

What exactly does a chemical plant produce? At a chemical plant in Guangdong, I was impressed by the broad variety of products that are made – many of which can actually improve people's lives.

LXYILA WU, Facility Management Solutions Visitor Management Senior Officer, BASF Zhanjiang Verbund site "This is a blood dialyzer, also known as artificial kidney, for treating patients with uremia."

The fast changing market in China is driving the improvement of production as well, to a new level. On the coast of Zhanjiang city, with an investment of 10 billion Euros and a construction period of nearly 10 years, this huge chemical base will become one of BASF's and Asia's most important chemical facilities.

HARYONO LIM, President, Mega Projects Asia, BASF "Indeed, our project has been progressing very well. We are now in a full-swing mode to construct the core of the Verbund site. Primarily, the products we make here in Zhanjiang will serve the domestic market in China. And we are very fortunate to be located in Guangdong, which is the economic power house of China. This is also the home of many of our innovative customers. Our prime focus is to serve our customers in China."

The project has attracted talent from around the world, and it will also bring development to the local area.

LXYILA WU, Facility Management Solutions Visitor Management senior officer, BASF Zhanjiang Verbund site "I am a native of Zhanjiang. I grew up near this beach. In office, I can hear people talking in various foreign languages – like German, English and Belgian."

FRANK GERRIT POGGENPOHL, Senior Manager, Security, Response and Process Coordination, BASF Zhanjiang Verbund site "I was very clear that I wanted to work in a different culture."

BASF is dedicated to building the Zhanjiang Verbund site into a role model for smart manufacturing and sustainable production. It wants to set a benchmark and contribute to the green transformation of the global chemical industry.

HARYONO LIM, President, Mega Projects Asia, BASF "While we stand here, the two plants will be using 100 percent green energy."

100 percent green energy – that is the commitment BASF gives to its customers. It is also a commitment that China makes to those who invest in China. In the course of the journey to reach sustainable development goals, the use of green energy is increasingly becoming the propellant for future development.

LXYILA WU, Facility Management Solutions Visitor Management senior officer, BASF Zhanjiang Verbund site "I am watching the city become more beautiful and better over time. We should seize the opportunity to do what we do best, and then move forward together towards a better future."

HARYONO LIM, President, Mega Projects Asia, BASF "We are here for the long Haul. There're plenty of opportunities ahead of us. We are heading into the future with optimism."