Aroma integrated complex to make Gebeng main centre for petrochemical production

The RM1.5 billion integrated aroma ingredients complex, to be built within the existing BASF Petronas Chemicals site here, will make the Gebeng Industrial Park the main centre for high grade

petrochemicals production in Asia Pacific.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said when the integrated complex is completed in 2016, it was envisaged to lure more investors to set up supporting industries and in the process create more employment opportunities.

"The complex will immediately create job opportunities for 120 technically skilled locals.

"Those selected will be able to be engage in this high-tech petrochemical industry and simultaneously enhance their expertise," he said at the ground breaking ceremony for the complex which is located within the existing BASF Petronas Chemicals site.

Present were Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, Petronas President and Group Chief Executive Tan Sri Shamsul Azhar Abbas, BASF Petronas Chemicals President Datuk Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin and BASF SE Vice-Chairman Dr Martin Brudermuller.

Najib said skills training, as well as, knowledge and technological transfer would be the catalyst for the country's development of highly skilled labour, particularly in the oil and gas and, petrochemical sectors.

"At the same time, the construction of the complex will also create job opportunities for 1,500 locals."

"I hope the industrial development in the complex will encourage more young people, especially in Pahang, to venture into the oil and petrochemical industry," he added.

Najib said Malaysia at present needed highly-skilled locals to serve both industries which were the highest contributors to national income.

He also praised the full cooperation extend by the corporate sector, headed by Petronas, through the planned development of the petrochemical industry in Malaysia, which would generate positive private sector investments, as well as, create various job and business opportunities among the local populace.

"I believe this project which will feature the state-of-the-art German technology and innovation in producing specialty chemicals in the form of aroma ingredients at the BASF Petronas Chemicals site, truly epitomises our strategy of a high income, knowledge-based industry.

"The investment demonstrates the strength of the partnership between BASF, the world's leading chemical company, and Petronas, Malaysia's national oil entity," he said.

He, however, said Petronas' success and that of the country depended on the support of the people towards projects such as the Aroma Integrated Complex, alongside others such as the Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex in Johor, and the Sipitang Ammonia and Urea project in Sabah, as well as, others being undertaken.

"I hope everyone will support Petronas in its efforts to spur the country's economy towards that of a high income nation," he added.

Najib said the Malaysian economy has not only grown in tandem, but has successfully outpaced global growth.

He said, the World Bank registered Malaysia's Growth Domestic Product (GDP) as averaging around a sustainable pace of four per cent for the past five years, higher than the United States and Japan.

He added, the oil and gas industry was a major contributor to the growth, where it has consistently been contributing more than 40 per cent to the country's Gross National Income.

"In the 'World Bank Ease of Doing Business Report 2014', Malaysia was ranked sixth among 189 economies.

"Moving forward, we are confident that private investment in Malaysia would continue to record healthy double-digit growth of 16.5 per cent in the fourth quarter last year from 15.2 per cent recorded in the third quarter," Najib said.