By Wang Yu (China Daily)
Updated: 2007-11-20 09:14

As a global aluminum firm focusing on both upstream and downstream business, Alcoa regards China as an increasingly important emerging market. While the Chinese government attaches increasing importance to energy efficiency and emissions reduction, Alcoa offers suggestions to save energy and protect the environment. Helmut Wieser, vice-president of Alcoa and group president responsible for Alcoa's global mill products, rigid packaging and hard alloy extrusion businesses, shares the company's views on energy efficiency and business expansion in China with China Daily reporter Wang Yu.

Q: What are your views on the development of China's aluminum industry, both upstream and downstream segments?

A: China's aluminum industry has undergone a very impressive development, and the growth is just phenomenal. We are glad that Alcoa has participated in the growth process with Chinese partners. Alcoa came to China in 1993 and has invested over $700 million so far in the country. Looking back several years ago, China's aluminum industry was small. But today, China has become the world largest aluminum producer and market. Quite a few Chinese newspapers were talking about the possibility that China aluminum consumption would take in 30 percent of the global aluminum production by 2015. This is a significant contribution to the growth of the aluminum industry.

I noticed that China is encouraging its aluminum companies to develop more technologies for extensive use of aluminum in various industries and areas. That is a great practice. Aluminum has advantages that many other metals cannot match. For example, use of aluminum, instead of steel, for automobiles and commercial vehicles can significantly reduce the weight of vehicles. As a direct result, the vehicle will produce less greenhouse gas (GHG) and consume less gasoline.

Q: There are reports saying that Alcoa was looking for expansion opportunities across both the upstream and downstream sectors of the aluminum industry in China. Is that so? If it is, through what means is Alcoa seeking business expansions in China - through organic growth or mergers and acquisitions, or both?

A: Alcoa understands the importance of the growth of China's economy and the opportunities that growth brings to all of us. As such, Alcoa will do two things. First, we will continuously improve our operations in China to make it more productive and more environmentally and energy sensitive. Second, we will keep our eyes open for growth opportunities. This could mean organic or inorganic growth. China is growing so fast, and Alcoa is determined to grow with China. This is a win-win situation. As to a preference of investment methods, I am open to any approach solely depending on business needs and situational demands.

China, as the world's largest aluminum producer as well as market, provides tremendous opportunities for everyone. My priority is to make this company fully prepared and ready to face challenges and capture opportunities. It is important to point out that Alcoa is willing and ready to bring to China many of its technologies that will help China's aluminum industry reduce emissions and energy consumption.

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