The signing ceremony for a partnership between Shanghai Jahwa and BASF is held in Shanghai. [Photo/eastday.com]

Domestic beauty brand Shanghai Jahwa and German chemicals multinational BASF recently signed a long-term business agreement in the Jahwa Science and Technology Innovation Center, located in East China's megacity and financial capital, Shanghai.

Under the agreement, they will expand the development of products in the beauty and personal care sector, which is growing rapidly in the wake of the booming Chinese economy.

Shanghai Jahwa is the first Chinese company to establish a scientific and technological innovation partnership with BASF in this field of endeavor.

The Chinese group has been committed to the research of Chinese herbal medicine for a long time and BASF is expected to help it realize its goal of traditional Chinese medicine modernization, by providing customized raw materials and the latest formulation technologies. The two sides will work together to formulate sustainable raw material standards, create low-carbon products and set an example for the domestic cosmetics and household chemicals industry.

"Science and technology innovation and sustainable development are very important strategic goals for Shanghai Jahwa," said Pan Qiusheng, chairman and CEO of Shanghai Jahwa.

"We are very pleased to cooperate with BASF and this cooperation will bring our customers more innovative and diversified product experiences."

BASF said it was excited about the development. "Through this cooperation, we will jointly explore more possibilities for the innovation and application of domestic brands and continue to satisfy Chinese consumers' pursuit of beauty and a high-quality life," said Zheng Daqing, senior vice president of business and market development of BASF in Greater China.

The partners will also undertake ventures in 3D skin cell research and supercomputer modeling, among other things.