BASF and Lafarge have announced plans for a new construction chemicals joint venture at Erbil in the autonomous Iraqi region of Kurdistan.

The new partnership links the world's largest producers of construction chemicals with the cement and concrete materials market leader. The two companies have worked together for many years.

BASF said the new facility will mainly produce concrete admixtures and cement additives. Alongside the plant's output, the German group will market its own portfolio of construction chemicals locally.

For BASF, the joint venture offers the opportunity to further tap into Iraq's growth market together with a strong partner already well-established in the region, said Dick Purchase, head of the construction chemicals division in Middle East, West Asia, CIS & Africa.

"This initiative clearly represents BASF's interest and commitment to the Middle East," Purchase said. He added that, "we are fulfilling our Master Builders Solutions promise of connectedness by being closer to our clients, providing our innovative and sustainable solutions and creating new job opportunities in the region."

Under the Master Builders Solutions brand, BASF bundles its advanced chemical solutions for new construction, maintenance, repair and renovation of structures. The portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection productsto oil and gas.