Ansteel’s President Zhang Emphasizes Open Stance to Any Strategic Partnership

Mr. Zhang Xiaogang, president of Anshan Iron & Steel (Ansteel) and the first Chinese steel maker’s chairman for World Steel Association (WSA), met Japan Metal Bulletin at WSA’s annual meeting in Paris and told Ansteel’s stance about partnership with other steel makers including Kobe Steel of Japan. Mr. Zhang said Ansteel’s business partnership with Kobe Steel has just started and there are many things are left to discuss precisely. He said Ansteel waits for results of detailed negotiations with Kobe Steel.

He added another joint business with ThyssenKrupp of Germany is targeted to European customers while joint business with Kobe Steel aims steel sales to Japanese automakers. It is unfixed yet which grade steels to supply through joint venture with Kobe Steel, he said, and the details can be revealed one or two months later.

Mr. Zhang emphasized Ansteel should be open to any countries’ any steel companies for business partnership conclusion. He showed an intention to have talks with any future partners those who have same business policy and strategy as Ansteel.

Mr. Zhang commented it is not convinced whether Ansteel is one of largest steel makers in China while suggested integration with Panzhihua Steel, China is not a fixed matter due to changing circumstances. He said Ansteel pays very cautious attentions whether the integration could comply with Ansteel’s strategy.

As for overseas markets, Mr. Zhang explained Ansteel regards China’s domestic market as the main target while Ansteel aims to confirm the group’s cost, quality and service competitiveness in global market. He suggested Ansteel’s current capacity is not so large to aggressively follow the overseas demand.