Core Insights - BASF's Zhanjiang integrated base has commenced production of its first batch of products, marking a significant milestone in the company's operations in China [1][2] - The Zhanjiang base represents BASF's largest single investment project to date, with a total investment of approximately €10 billion, and will become the company's third-largest production site globally upon full completion [1] - The base is strategically positioned to provide high-quality, low-carbon chemical products to meet the rapidly growing market demands in China and the Asia-Pacific region [2] Investment and Development - Construction of the Zhanjiang integrated base began in November 2019, with the first facilities starting construction in 2020 and core facilities being fully advanced by July 2022 [1] - The base includes a steam cracking facility with an annual capacity of 1 million tons of ethylene, along with multiple downstream facilities for producing petrochemicals and intermediates [1] Strategic Importance - The progress at the Zhanjiang base is a key step in BASF's strategy of "local production to serve local markets," which aims to strengthen its core business and promote sustainable growth in key markets [1] - The successful production of the first batch of products lays a solid foundation for the base to achieve full operational capacity by the end of 2025 [2]