Sinochem Int'l and Thaitex to Form JV      

On October 7th, Sinochem International Corp. (Sinochem Int'l, SH: 600500) entered an agreement with Thai Rubber Latex Corporation (Thaitex), Thailand to jointly manufacture latex.
   Both sides will form a joint venture named Hainan Sinochem-Thai Rubber Latex Co., Ltd. in Qionghai, Hainan province for the manufacture of 30 000 tons of latex per year. Construction on the 65/35 plant between Sinochem Int'l and Thaitex is expected to be started in the beginning 2009. It is scheduled for startup at the end of 2009. The investment is estimated to be RMB150 million.
   The proposed plant will combine Thaitex's centrifugation technology with Sinochem Int'l's raw material access and sales network, to produce and offer high-end latex product.
   Three years ago, both sides signed a ten-year sale contract.