SWISS specialty chemicals producer Clariant said today that China's rapid urbanization will support growth here.
Regional sales for China plus South Korea reached 606 million Swiss francs (US$640 million) last year - more than double the 2005 figure.
This region's sales account for 10 percent of Clariant's global total.
The Chinese mainland accounts for 7.5 percent, said Per Sjoeberg, regional head of China.
"Thanks to the good overall conditions and the accumulated demand of China's huge population, Clariant sees major potential for growth in China for the coming years," he said.
The company's products include fire retardants, catalysts for chemical and fuel makers, and de-icing agents for the aviation industry.
It has sold some units like textile chemicals and paper specialty chemicals to move away from low-margin cyclical businesses.
Businesses like chemicals in the oil and gas industry were strong, rising at a double-digit rate in China, Sjoeberg said.