Success Story - BASF

- Saule, tell us briefly about BASF.

- BASF is a world leader in the chemical industry. The group’s portfolio includes oil and natural gas, as well as chemicals, plastics, specialty chemicals, agricultural products, and fine chemicals. All products and system solutions from BASF are high-quality and contribute to saving the planet's resources and improving people's quality of life. This approach is consistent with the company's motto: 'We create chemistry for a sustainable future."

- How long has the company been operating in the Central Asian market, and what has been achieved?

- The activities of BASF in Central Asia began in 1992 with the opening of a representative office in Kazakhstan and the sale of agricultural chemical solutions. Later, in 2002, the first production of dry mixes was launched in Almaty, and in 2005, the production of liquid additives began. In July 2006, a plant for the production of concrete additives was opened in Astana, and in 2016, on the 10th anniversary of the plant, an epoxy materials production line was launched. Today, BASF Central Asia LLP is actively working in the region and has a reputation as a reliable manufacturer of high-quality materials.

The head office of the company is located in Almaty and serves as a regional center for the markets of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. In addition to the branch in Atyrau, we also have representative offices in Tashkent and Ashgabat. The company has its own production of construction chemicals in Almaty and Astana and offers a wide range of technical consultations for customers.

Today, BASF is represented in key sectors of the Republic of Kazakhstan, including mining, automotive, agriculture, construction, and oil and gas. The company plans to further expand its presence in all key industries with its products, solutions, and know-how.

- As far as we know, you became the first Kazakhstani company leader in this region. How long have you been with the company, and have you encountered any difficulties in leadership?

- In 2004, I became the director of the branch in Astana. We were responsible for the regions of Eastern, Northern and Central Kazakhstan and worked under the USTA brand, which was bought out by BASF after some time. In 2006, the company management decided to open a concrete additive plant in Astana. This was due to the active development of our sales in the Northern region, climatic conditions and a reduction in logistics costs. Over the next three and a half years, the construction chemistry division was the fastest growing in the region. We had a steady growth in sales, we showed not only quantitative, but also qualitative indicators. In November 2012, I assumed the duties of the head of the construction chemistry department for Central Asia and moved to Almaty.

In October 2016, I was offered the position of Director General of BASF Central Asia LLP. While this was certainly a challenge for me, I am confident that my knowledge of the region and the excellent work done by my predecessors will greatly assist in the development of the company's business in Central Asia.

I believe that it is the integrated approach of our products and solutions to each project and to each client that will allow our company not only to develop and attract new directions, but also to expand the potential of various industries in the country.

We are pleased with our cooperation with the national company KAZAKH INVEST, as it serves as an important link between investors and the state, providing various forms of support, from consultation to project implementation.

I hope our cooperation will be long and fruitful.

- Saule, thank you for the pleasant conversation. We wish you and BASF personally success and prosperity!