OREANDA-NEWS. December 31, 2010. Gazprom Neft and the BASF Group of chemical companies have held a joint workshop focused on further cooperation development between the companies. During the workshop, a wide range of issues for implementation of BASF's innovative solutions at Gazprom Neft's refining facilities was considered. In particular, the production of high-quality engine fuels, the use of additives, and the development of Gazprom Neft's fuel brand were discussed during the workshop. The event was attended by senior executives and specialists of Gazprom Neft, BASF, JSC Gazprom's Gas, Gas Condensate and Oil Processing Division, and representatives of the Moscow and Omsk oil refineries and Slavneft-Yaroslavnefteorgsintez. The workshop was held as a part of the joint action plan for development of mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of chemistry between the Gazprom Group and BASF.

"Gazprom Neft is committed to implementing the best international practices in oil processing and petrochemistry. To achieve a game-changing level of production, the Company certainly requires the best world practices and innovative technologies of global market players like BASF," Gazprom Neft Director for Oil Refining Aleksander Sannikov pointed out.

"To save resources and optimize the processes, solving the problems that face the Russian oil and gas industry involves implementation of innovative solutions at all stages of the value-adding chain. Cooperation between the Gazprom Group and BASF, which holds a leading position in the development and production of innovative chemicals, is likely to yield massive benefits. Today's workshop will give a rise to the development of business relationships between the companies and contribute into the implementation of the Joint Action Plan aimed at expanding a mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of chemistry," ZAO BASF CEO Sergei Andreyev said.