Petrochemical sector contributes to technological and economic independence, security - Russian PM
SHANGHAI. May 23 (Interfax) - Petrochemical products are used by all manufacturing industries, and the development of the petrochemical sector is important for ensuring technological security, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said while visiting the SINOPEC Shanghai Research Institute of Petrochemical Technology (SRIPT), a subsidiary of China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (SINOPEC Corp), in Shanghai on Tuesday.
"Modern life is impossible without petrochemical products. They are widely used in research and development for the entire range of new materials, and [they are important] for food security, light industry, the production of lubricants and catalysts, and in engineering. Of course, the petrochemical sector and its respective products will contribute to strengthening our technological and economic independence and security," Mishustin said.
SINOPEC has long been active in Russia, Mishustin said. "We know it very well," he added.
Speaking about joint projects, Mishustin mentioned a major project with SIBUR at the Amur Gas Chemical Complex, which makes polymers, as well as SINOPEC's cooperation with Rosneft and other companies.
"I would like to thank you for your active cooperation, and say that you are absolutely right: friendship between Russia and China should be eternal," Mishustin said, addressing Chinese officials who accompanied him on the trip.
In turn, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak called the partnership with SINOPEC important. "We are actively cooperating on increasing supplies of catalysts to our country, and on developing joint production," Novak said.
The Russian delegation visited a showroom with information about SINOPEC projects, and a number of technological laboratories.
The SRIPT is one of the first comprehensive research and development institutes in China engaged in petrochemical research and development. It was established in 1960 to assist in the production of acrylic fabrics.
Nowadays, the institute operates two large R&D centers and has branches in SINOPEC subsidiaries (SINOPEC Nanhua, Tianjin Petrochemical, Yizheng Chemical Fiber, Chuanwei Chemical and Baling Petrochemical) and its own subsidiary SINOPEC New Material Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. The National Engineering Research Center for Petroleum Refining Technology and Catalyst operates under the institute.
Tools for digitalization and automation of the oil refining process are among the institute's products.
It also deals with environmental issues and conducts research in the field of degradable materials and green polyester compounds.
Engineering solutions and catalysts patented by the institute are exported to Russia, North America, Southeast Asia and other parts of the world.