core sector communique

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang visits Umicore’s recycling activities

Brussels, 2^nd of May 2012. As part of a two-day official visit to the EU institutions and Belgium, Umicore had the honour to welcome Vice-Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Li Keqiang and HRH Prince Philip of Belgium at its recycling plant in Hoboken (Belgium).

Mr Li Keqiang, whose portfolio of responsibilities in the People’s Republic of China includes economy and climate change, is in Belgium to meet with senior figures in both the European institutions and Belgian Government. Umicore was selected as part of Mr Li’s itinerary as an example of best technology in the area of recycling.

Marc Grynberg, CEO Umicore, said: “We are very honored by the visit of Vice-Premier Li Keqiang. Umicore has an extensive presence in China and we have been investing consistently in our activities there in recent years. We are looking forward to continue contributing to China’s economic growth and in particular in the areas of sustainable technologies.”

“China’s push towards environmental protection and energy and resource efficiency will require new materials and the best available technologies. Umicore, as a leader in materials technology, looks forward to playing a role, together with its Chinese customers, in the realization of these goals.” he added.

Today Umicore operates nine industrial plants in the Peoples Republic of China of which five are joint ventures with Chinese partners. Umicore also has four commercial offices in China as well as a regional headquarters in Shanghai. Including joint ventures Umicore employs more than 2,000 people in China.