The Chemical Summit in Berlin was dominated by pressing questions: How can we achieve an economic awakening and progress in Germany? How do we manage the balancing act between competitiveness and sustainability? Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other guests from politics, business and science discussed possible answers with the chemical and pharmaceutical industry.
Dr. Markus Steilemann was confirmed as President of the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI). In a press release, he emphasized the innovative strength of the industry and called for courage to embrace change. He calls on politicians to undertake a core overhaul of the business location: “We must dare to make progress. Now!”
VCI names key measures
The chemical-pharmaceutical industry looks back on two challenging years. This applies even more to energy-intensive chemicals than to pharmaceuticals. The international competitive situation remains very tense.
“Many companies are increasingly losing faith in the good framework conditions in Germany. That has to change,” says Steilemann and continues: ”Our innovative industry has great confidence in the potential of the location. Germany has a huge opportunity to become a center for green technologies of the future. However, confidence is waning that the 'German business model' can withstand global competition in the long term. The structural deficits hang like lead at our feet. That is why we are calling for a new industrial policy that must be implemented with all our strength.”
The VCI believes that the following measures are the key to a competitive industry: lower electricity costs, a consistent reduction in bureaucracy, a tax booster, an industrial deal in the EU and investments in education, safety and infrastructure.
VCI: “There are solutions and progress is feasible”
In his opening speech to the industry representatives, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz said: “The chemical industry is the basis of our success as an industrial nation. To ensure that this remains the case, we have set the political course with the chemicals and pharmaceuticals strategy, the growth initiative, the reduction in electricity tax and electricity price compensation. Germany is a central location for the chemical industry in the world. I want it to remain so.”
In his speech, Scholz addressed the priority measures that the German government is planning to strengthen the chemical industry. The VCI welcomes the rejection of a total ban on entire chemical substance groups and the commitment to a risk-based approach in the REACH regulation. The association considers the support for chemical recycling and the mass balance approach to be very positive.
The VCI is particularly critical of the fact that the relief from energy prices, which are far too high, does not go far enough and that support for grid fees is urgently needed. “The result is a first step. However, the measures are not enough to start the necessary move towards a strong chemical industry location. The good announcements made by the Federal Chancellor must now be implemented quickly,” emphasized Steilemann.
The VCI continues to rely on constructive dialog, but also demands clarity regarding the economic policy course of the Federal Government.
“I very clearly advocate a return to market economy conditions,” said Steilemann. “We can't have ideologically tinged guidelines and detailed regulations. What we need is entrepreneurial freedom in a playing field that we know best ourselves.” The country needs to become more proactive and dynamic, with more courage to embrace change.
“An optimistic, constructive attitude is needed: we should not see ourselves as the last generation, but as the first generation that has the power to make the world a better place. To do this, however, we must also show people: There are solutions and progress is feasible- also thanks to innovations from the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.”
Markus Steilemann re-elected as VCI President
Last Thursday, the members of the association also re-elected the presidium. Dr. Markus Steilemann, Chairman of the Board of Management of Covestro AG, was confirmed in office. Dr. Markus Kamieth from BASF SE is the new Vice President of the VCI.
VCI Managing Director Wolfgang Große Entrup thanked President Markus Steilemann, the Vice Presidents and other members of the Executive Committee for their willingness to commit themselves to the chemical industry association in the coming term of office.
“There is a lot at stake. It's about a good future. Not just for our industry, but for the whole country. A strong economy is part of a solid foundation for the state and our society. That is why we will continue to do everything in our power to be a strong voice for the economy in Germany and Europe. I would like to thank the members of our Executive Committee for their commitment, especially our re-elected President Markus Steilemann. In these difficult days, weeks and months, your voluntary work is by no means to be taken for granted.”
Results of the presidial election
Dr. Markus Steilemann, CEO of plastics manufacturer Covestro AG since June 2018, was confirmed as President by the General Assembly. Dr. Markus Kamieth (BASF SE) was newly elected to the office of Vice President, while Carsten Knobel (Henkel AG & Co. KGaA) was confirmed in this office for another two years.
The following were re-elected as members of the Executive Committee for a further two years: Hubertus von Baumbach (C.H. Boehringer Sohn AG & Co. KG), Dr. Christian Kohlpaintner (Brenntag SE), Christian Kullmann (Evonik AG) and Matthias Zachert (LANXESS AG).
The Executive Committee also includes:
- Bill Anderson (Bayer AG),
- Martin Babilas (Altana AG),
- Reinhold von Eben-Worlée (Worlée-Chemie GmbH),
- Dr. Henrik Follmann (Follmann Chemie GmbH),
- Belén Garijo (Merck KGaA),
- Dr. Wolfgang Große Entrup (VCI),
- Dr. Christian Hartel (Wacker Chemie AG),
- Sabine Herold (DELO Industrie Klebstoffe GmbH & Co. KGaA) und
- Julia Schlenz (Dow Deutschland).
Further information available at www.vci.de.
