At present, the outdated preparation processes and obsolete equipment technologies have become major barriers hindering the growth of China's chemical intermediates and fine chemical industries. Addressing these challenges and accelerating technological innovation to close the gap with developed nations has become a top priority, as highlighted during the first Organic Intermediates and Fine Chemical Science and Technology Week held last week.
Experts attending the event emphasized that organic intermediates and fine chemicals are highly technology-driven sectors. While China is now capable of producing most of the required chemical intermediates and fine chemical products, and holds a notable position in the global market, the industry still lags behind in terms of production techniques and equipment. Some high-value products are still heavily imported, and the competitiveness of domestic products remains lower compared to foreign counterparts.
Environmental pollution has also emerged as a critical issue limiting industry growth. For instance, a recent survey in Zhejiang Province revealed that the "three wastes" emissions from traditional fine chemical companies accounted for nearly 40% of the total emissions in the petrochemical sector. In Jiangsu, several firms were shut down due to severe environmental violations. If these challenges aren't addressed soon, they could significantly hinder the future development of China’s organic intermediates and fine chemical industries.
To enhance the level of preparation processes and equipment technology, enterprises and research institutions must take the lead in scientific innovation. Collaborative efforts between industry, academia, and research should be intensified. The government and industry associations also need to play a more active role by providing better planning, support, and policy guidance. Strengthening the exchange of technical information and building efficient information platforms are equally important. Currently, the industry faces issues such as insufficient investment, small-scale enterprises, lack of clear policy direction, and limited access to cost-effective technologies—challenges that require urgent attention.
According to reports, since the 1990s, as environmental pressures increased in Western countries, the global organic intermediates and fine chemical industries have gradually shifted eastward, with China and India becoming central hubs. Statistics show that China currently produces over 20,000 types of organic intermediates and fine chemicals, with an annual output value exceeding 100 billion yuan.
The first Organic Intermediates and Fine Chemical Science and Technology Week, co-organized by the China National Chemical Industry Economic and Technological Development Center and the China Chemical Industry Intermediate Network, aims to create an efficient information platform where stakeholders can connect, exchange ideas, and drive technological progress in the sector. It is expected that this event will be held annually moving forward.
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