Apr 16, 2010 – Mr. Jeremy Burks, Greater China President of Dow Corning Corporation, a global leader in silicon-based technology and innovation, participated the CEO panel on a conference organized by Asia-Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce (APCAC) in Beijing on Apr.16, 2010 to discuss on how company position China in their global strategy.

Mr. Burks shared his view on how China impacts Dow Corning’s business across the globe and what kinds of strategy Dow Corning has taken to sustain its momentum in China. During the discussion, he emphasized “While we continue to monitoring the global economic environment, we are very bullish about the potential of China. China remains one of our top priorities for Dow Corning. Our investment in China is guided by our commitment to support local economic growth and sustainable development – which means we will keep our rate of strategic investment here. In fact, two of Dow Corning’s most important tasks in 2010 are in China -­- the completion of the second-phase construction of China’s largest siloxane plant in Zhangjiagang city and the launch of its China Business and Technology Center in Shanghai. Through these two strategic investments and also our continuous investment in our Songjiang Site, which is our Special Chemical Asia Hub, we are able to better serve growing customer demand for silicone materials in China and throughout the Asian region. ”

Innovation on sustainability has been a key driver for Dow Corning which is also critical for China’s growth. When talking about the opportunities Dow Corning could create and seize in China, Jeremy explained “Silicone and silicon-based materials play a vital role in China’s economic growth. It can enhance, transform and create a better quality of life, thus widely used in key areas identified in China’s 11th Five Year Plan from infrastructure construction, to clean technology and clean energy, to healthcare provision. Dow Corning strives to provide efficiency via XIAMETER® brand, the world’s largest online marketplace for standard silicone materials, and also provide innovative solutions via the company’s Dow Corning® brand. For example, in the solar energy industry, Dow Corning’s solution is helping to unleash that in part by addressing the critical needs of reducing total cost of kilowatt-hours and increasing the durability and performance of photovoltaic modules and concentrators. In construction industry, silicones are used to create breathable coatings that waterproof the exterior of buildings while allowing trapped moisture to escape.”

“We will implement our strategy which continues to help customers in China to be more efficient, innovative and sustainable by culmination of extensive research and analysis of customers’ needs, economic indicators and future social and environmental trends around the world.” Mr. Burks concluded.

Senior executives from JP Morgan, GE China and Hill & Knowlton participated in the panel and exchanged their thoughts during the discussion.

The Asia-Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce (APCAC) consists of 27 member AmChams. APCAC AmChams represent the growing interests of over 50,000 executives and over 10,000 businesses in 21 economies of the Asia-Pacific region.

Every year, the Asia-Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce (APCAC) hosts a meeting in one of the region's cities. These meetings highlight investment opportunities, macro-economic trends, political and social developments, and are opportunities to engage with business and government leaders from both specific countries and Asian intergovernmental bodies.

About the Presenter, Jeremy Burks

Jeremy Burks is the President of Dow Corning Greater China. In this role, he represents Dow Corning in terms of government, employee and customer relations.

Jeremy joined Dow Corning in the UK in 1987. Afterwards he has taken various leadership positions at Dow Corning, such as Economic Evaluator/ Business Controller for Europe, Global Planning and Evaluation Manager for the Designed Products business, Global Industry Manager for Household Care, European Industry Director for Elastomers and Lubricants, Global Executive Director of Dow Corning’s Expertise-Based Industry Group.

Jeremy holds a bachelor degree in Materials Science and Technology from Brunel University, England and also a diploma in Management Studies from the Open Business School, UK.