At present, the outdated preparation processes and insufficient technological advancement in equipment have become major obstacles hindering the growth of China's chemical intermediates and fine chemical industries. Addressing these challenges and catching up with developed nations has emerged as a central theme at the first Organic Intermediates and Fine Chemical Science and Technology Week held last week.
According to experts, organic intermediates and fine chemicals are highly technology-driven sectors. While China is now capable of producing most of the required products and holds a notable position in the global market, the industry still lags behind in terms of production techniques and equipment. High-value-added and high-quality products are still largely imported, which highlights the gap in product competitiveness compared to international counterparts.
Environmental pollution has also become a critical issue limiting industry development. For instance, a recent survey in Zhejiang Province revealed that traditional fine chemical companies contribute around 40% of the petrochemical industry’s "three wastes" emissions. In Jiangsu, several firms were shut down due to severe environmental violations. If these issues remain unresolved, they could significantly hinder the long-term development of the sector.
To improve production processes and equipment technology, enterprises and research institutions must take the lead in innovation, promoting collaboration between industry, academia, and research. The government and industry associations should enhance planning, provide more support, and foster better information exchange. Additionally, addressing the lack of investment, small-scale operations, and limited policy guidance is essential for finding cost-effective and suitable technologies.
Since the 1990s, as environmental pressures increased in Western countries, the global organic intermediates and fine chemical industry has gradually shifted eastward, with China and India emerging as key players. Currently, China 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, organized by the China National Chemical Industry Economic and Technological Development Center and the China Chemical Industry Intermediate Network, aims to establish an efficient information platform. This event encourages broader exchanges among stakeholders, aiming to boost scientific and technological progress in the sector. Future science and technology weeks will be held annually to sustain this momentum.
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