The expansion of various industries in China including the textile industry shows no sign of slowing down today. It had been understood that its growing strength would be weakened after the Beijing Olympics, but there has been a brilliant promotion of resource diplomacy in China recently, and harmonization of manufacturing with the environment and improvement in quality have been set up as the pillars of promotion of growth in the 11th Five-Year Plan started this year. Have there already been any phenomena you noticed to confirm it in the dealings of your firm in China (Shanghai Daxiang Chemical Industry)?

Yes, there have been. It has become strongly apparent that an increasing number of businesses including textile firms are consulting Shanghai Daxiang Chemical Industry, SENKA Group, about the method for harmonizing manufacturing with the environment and its related finishing agents. It made me realize how times have drastically changed.

Orders from our various customers for agents to improve quality are increasing as well. From these facts, I can feel the strong willingness of China to acquire an engine for economic development.

It seems the infrastructure of the Chinese chemical industry is expanding on a striking scale.

The scale of the major chemical industrial area located between Shanghai and Hangzhou is certainly remarkable. The sight of a forest of chemical factories from various countries including those from Europe is just magnificent. Tankers can be brought alongside the quay. Various intermediates for producing chemical products are easily available. I am certain that present-day China has nearly laid out the framework for production from heavy chemicals to fine chemicals. We can say that China is becoming a supplier to the world, almost completing the cluster as a diversified chemical industrial nation.

Tell us what you take about the production capacity of your group firm (Shanghai Daxiang Chemical Industry) for the future producing surfactant products in the suburbs of Shanghai which has become QR (Quick Response)-effective since Zhejiang topped the list as the leading area for textile dyeing, printing and finishing in China.

I think the time had come to expand. Since we have been continuously carrying on facility expansions so far, spaces for plant sites are facing the limit for expanding production capacity. As a breakthrough in this situation, at some stage, we need to make a decision on establishing a new firm either at a nearby site or in an industrial area close to Shanghai.

What is your strategy for the booming North China market in the textile industry?

We have already established the office and been expanding the scope of its activities.

It is said that elements of globalization now need to be seen from diverse perspectives. For example, large growth in the Chinese textile industry resulted in major changes in power relationships in the world's textile industry.

The number of textile manufacturing countries countering China is increasing. As a result, more people are saying that it is necessary for manufactures to have respective sales policies for selling textile auxiliaries. In this trend, it is conspicuous that some Japanese auxiliary manufacturers are preparing for market cultivation of India which is aiming to become a textile industrial country second only to China. Korean textile manufacturers' entry into the Vietnamese market has become notable. Under these circumstances, what is your company's view on the markets of Southeast Asia and South Asia?

I think this rapidly changing situation is going to go on. We established an office in Thailand a long time ago, which I find very effective as a strategy for Southeast Asian and South Asian markets.

Are you exhibiting at the China Interdye to be held in Shanghai in 2007?

Shanghai Daxiang Chemical Industry participates in this exhibition every time. It is really grateful that more people have begun to drop in to our booth as a place for friendship and interaction with Chinese customers.

Are you promoting research on nanotechnology for various industrial uses?

We are promoting research and experimental production in certain metal related areas. I cannot make an official announcement yet, but I can say it is certainly necessary to create various products with nanotechnology. We would like to promote it with due consideration to its risk.