BASF SE, the world's largest chemical company, said it's committed to strengthening partnerships with customers through greater local support, with Shanghai becoming its China hub for innovation.

BASF's first plasticizer technical center in Asia Pacific was recently set up at its site in Pudong, Shanghai. Other recent city developments include a polyurethane site that houses R&D and production, as well as an automotive center. BASF had China sales of around 4.4 billion euros (US$7 billion) in 2007.