Ethylene is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon gas composed of two carbon atoms and four hydrogen atoms, with the chemical formula C2H4. The discovery of ethylene can be traced back to the 17th century when naturalists and scientists made observations regarding the effects of certain gases on plant and fruit physiology. One of the primary uses of ethylene is as a feedstock for the production of plastics. West Asia, specifically countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iran, plays a significant role in the global petrochemical industry. Petrochemical products in this region are produced from hydrocarbons derived from crude oil and natural gas, which are abundant resources in many countries within West Asia. West Asia has abundant reserves of crude oil, and countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates are among the largest producers in the world. Petrochemical polymers and plastics offer a wide range of properties and can be tailored to meet specific requirements. Petrochemical products serve as vital raw materials for numerous industries. China's economic and trade system has become one of the most influential in the world, characterized by rapid industrial growth, a complex export-oriented economy, and increasing integration into the global marketplace. The country operates a mixed economy where state-owned enterprises (SOEs) coexist with private businesses, and market forces guide production while the government plays a significant role in key industries such as finance, telecommunications, and energy. China's robust infrastructure, vast manufacturing capacity, and competitive labor costs have made it a central hub for global supply chains.
