20-F 1 d20f.htm FORM 20-F Form 20-F
Table of Contents

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C., 20549

 


 

FORM 20-F

 


 

¨ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

OR

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003

 

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SEC\URITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from              to             

 

Commission file number 1-12158

 

 

LOGO

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Company Limited

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

 

 

People’s Republic of China

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

No. 48 Jinyi Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai, PRC

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

 

Title of each class


 

Name of each exchange on which registered


American Depositary Shares

Class H Ordinary Shares, par value RMB1.00 per Share

 

New York Stock Exchange

The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

 

None

(Title of Class)

 

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

 

None

(Title of Class)

 


 

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

 

2,330,000,000 H Shares

4,870,000,000 Domestic Shares

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.    Item 17  ¨     Item 18  x

 



Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ITEM 1.   IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS.    1
ITEM 2.   OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE.    1
ITEM 3.   KEY INFORMATION.    1
ITEM 4.   INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY.    10
ITEM 5.   OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS.    33
ITEM 6.   DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES.    45
ITEM 7.   MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS.    55
ITEM 8.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION.    57
ITEM 9.   THE OFFER AND LISTING.    58
ITEM 10.   ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.    59
ITEM 11.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.    77
ITEM 12.   DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES.    79
ITEM 13.   DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES.    79
ITEM 14.   MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS.    79
ITEM 15.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES    79
ITEM 16A   AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT    80
ITEM 16B   CODE OF ETHICS    80
ITEM 16C   PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES    81
ITEM 17.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.    82
ITEM 18.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.    82
ITEM 19.   EXHIBITS    82

 

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FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Information in this Annual Report which does not relate to historical financial information may be deemed to constitute forward looking statements. The words or phrases “will likely result”, “are expected to”, “will continue”, “is anticipated”, “estimate”, “project”, “believe”, “intends to” or similar expressions identify “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results and those presently anticipated or projected in the forward looking statements. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Among the factors that could cause our actual results in the future to differ materially from the forward looking statements are crude oil allocations, effects of the macroeconomic policy of the People’s Republic of China and government control of currency conversion.

 

EXCHANGE RATES

 

Unless otherwise specified, references in this Annual Report to “US dollars” or “US$” are to United States dollars, references to “HK dollars” or “HK$” are to Hong Kong dollars and references to “Renminbi” or “RMB” are to Renminbi yuan, the legal tender currency of the PRC.

 

We have translated amounts in this Annual Report from Renminbi to US dollars for your convenience. Except for Item 18. Financial Statements and where otherwise noted, we have used the average of the buying and selling exchange rate published daily by the People’s Bank of China (the “PBOC Rate”) on December 31, 2003 of US$ 1.00 = RMB8.2767. The convenience translations do not mean that the Renminbi amounts could have been or could be converted into US dollars at that rate or at any other rate. The noon buying rate in New York City for cable transfers in foreign currencies as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “Noon Buying Rate”) on December 31, 2003 was US$ 1.00 = RMB8.2767.

 

OTHER CONVENTIONS

 

References to “we” or “us” are references to Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Company Limited and our subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise. Before our formation, these references relate to the petrochemical businesses carried on by Shanghai Petrochemical Complex.

 

References to “China” or the “PRC” are references to The People’s Republic of China which, for the purpose of this Annual Report and for geographical reference only, excludes Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

 

References to our “A Shares” are references to 720,000,000 of our domestic shares, par value RMB1.00 per share, which are ordinary shares subscribed for and traded exclusively in the Shanghai Stock Exchange by and between Chinese investors.

 

References to our “domestic shares” are references to all of our domestic shares, par value RMB1.00 per share, which are ordinary shares held by Chinese investors.

 

References to our “H Shares” are references to our overseas-listed foreign ordinary shares, par value RMB1.00 per share, which are listed and traded on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (“HKSE”) under the number “338”.

 

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Table of Contents

“Rated Capacity” is the output capacity of a given production unit or, where appropriate, the throughput capacity, calculated by estimating the number of days in a year that the production unit is expected to operate, including downtime for regular maintenance, and multiplying that number by an amount equal to the unit’s optimal daily output or throughput, as the case may be.

 

All references to “tons” are to metric tons.

 

References to sales volume are to sales to entities or third parties other than us, our divisions and subsidiaries, unless otherwise noted.

 

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PART I.

 

ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS.

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE.

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION.

 

A. Selected Financial Data.

 

Our statements of operations and cash flow data for each of the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 2002 and 2003 are derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18. Financial Statements. Our statements of operations and cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 2000 and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 1999, 2000 and 2001 are derived from Consolidated Financial Statements not included in this Annual Report. Our Selected Consolidated Financial Data should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements, and the notes thereto, and Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects. Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). IFRS vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Item 18. Financial Statements – Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 28.

 

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

(In thousands, except per Share and per ADS data)

 

     Years Ended December 31,

 
     1999

    2000

    2001

    2002

    2003

    2003(a)

 
     (RMB)     (RMB)     (RMB)     (RMB)     (RMB)     (US$)  

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA

                                    

Amounts in accordance with IFRS:

                                    

Net sales:

                                    

Synthetic fibers

   2,697,791     3,612,231     3,215,835     3,374,252     4,092,590     494,471  

Resins and plastics

   4,290,720     6,005,305     5,635,697     6,440,673     8,864,266     1,070,990  

Intermediate petrochemicals

   1,853,008     2,232,250     2,105,342     2,555,035     3,851,333     465,322  

Petroleum products

   4,208,108     7,429,253     7,735,154     7,991,243     10,329,149     1,247,979  

Trading and others

   986,960     1,449,516     925,738     1,361,766     1,805,345     218,124  

Cost of sales

   12,532,636     19,039,986     18,803,044     19,853,928     26,396,224     3,189,221  

Income before income tax and minority interests

   1,089,130     1,417,322     394,185     1,429,629     2,006,403     242,416  

Net financing costs

   368,287     272,186     227,758     400,656     392,021     47,364  

Income before tax

   720,843     1,080,645     145,797     1,045,038     1,590,365     192,150  

Net income

   605,726     856,510     116,049     916,365     1,401,690     169,354  

Basic earnings per share(b)

   0.08     0.12     0.02     0.13     0.20     0.02  

Basic earnings per ADS(b)

   8.41     11.90     1.61     12.73     19.47     2.35  

Reconciliation to net income in accordance with US GAAP:

                                    

Net Income under IFRS

   605,726     856,510     116,049     916,365     1,401,690     169,354  

Adjustments to net income under IFRS:

                                    

Foreign exchange gains and losses

   37,054     37,054     37,054     37,054     37,054     4,477  

Capitalization of property, plant and equipment

   21,703     21,703     21,703     21,703     21,703     2,622  

Depreciation charge on revalued property, plant and equipment

   133,491     133,491     133,491     129,995     129,995     15,706  

Capitalized interest on investment in associates

   —       —       24,318     20,996     7,045     851  

Goodwill and negative goodwill amortization

   —       —       —       10,144     322     39  

Cumulative effect of adopting SFAS No.142

   —       —       —       19,828     —       —    

Tax effect of the above adjustments

   (28,837 )   (28,837 )   (32,485 )   (31,462 )   (29,370 )   (3,549 )

Net Income under US GAAP

   769,137     1,019,921     300,130     1,124,623     1,568,439     189,500  

Basic earnings per share(b)

   0.11     0.14     0.04     0.16     0.22     0.03  

Basic earnings per ADS(b)

   10.68     14.17     4.17     15.62     21.78     2.63  

CASH FLOW DATA

                                    

Amounts in accordance with IFRS

                                    

Net cash provided by operating activities

   2,450,790     2,472,956     2,387,891     1,798,320     2,276,957     275,104  

Depreciation

   1,451,138     1,514,710     1,359,642     1,585,823     1,850,013     223,521  

Capital expenditures

   1,380,092     1,572,923     4,358,176     2,404,293     1,284,868     155,239  

(a) Translated solely for convenience into US dollars based on the PBOC Rate of US$1.00 = RMB8.2767 on December 31, 2003. No representation is made that the Renminbi amounts could have been, or could be, converted into United States dollars at that rate.
(b) The calculation of earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year of 7,200,000,000 in each of 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. Earnings per ADS is calculated on the basis that one ADS is equivalent to 100 shares.

 

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     December 31,

     1999

   2000

   2001

   2002

   2003

   2003(a)

     (RMB)    (RMB)    (RMB)    (RMB)    (RMB)    (US$)
               (in thousands)          

BALANCE SHEET DATA

                             

Amounts in accordance with IFRS:

                             

Property, plant and equipment, net

   12,150,339    11,726,871    11,894,420    15,809,493    16,020,104    1,935,567

Total assets

   21,947,204    21,701,310    24,325,601    26,085,919    27,101,481    3,274,431

Short term debt(b)

   4,743,030    3,200,245    4,106,041    4,002,315    5,574,729    673,545

Long term debt (excluding current portion)

   2,463,837    1,863,776    3,463,747    4,590,891    3,206,848    387,455

Shareholders’ equity

   13,005,124    13,501,634    13,063,831    13,980,196    15,021,886    1,814,961

Amounts in accordance with US GAAP

                             

Property, plant and equipment, net

   11,027,288    10,796,068    11,299,220    15,403,045    15,802,408    1,909,264

Total assets

   20,992,611    20,910,128    23,840,352    25,808,928    26,991,239    3,261,111

Shareholders’ equity

   12,050,531    12,710,452    12,578,582    13,703,205    14,911,644    1,801,641

(a) Translated solely for convenience into US dollars based on the PBOC Rate of US$1.00 = RMB8.2767 on December 31, 2003. No representation is made that the Renminbi amounts could have been, or could be, converted into United States dollars at that rate.
(b) Including current portion of Long Term Debt.

 

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Dividends

 

The following table sets forth certain information concerning the dividends since January 1, 1994:

 

Dividend Period


  Dividend per Share

 

Jan. 1, 1994-June 30, 1994

  RMB 0.04 (US$0.0048 )

July 1, 1994-Dec. 31, 1994

  RMB 0.085 (US$0.0103 )

Jan. 1, 1995-June 30, 1995

  RMB 0.04 (US$0.0048 )

July 1, 1995-Dec. 31, 1995

  RMB 0.09 (US$0.0109 )

Jan. 1, 1996-June 30, 1996

  RMB 0.04 (US$0.0048 )

July 1, 1996-Dec. 31, 1996

  RMB 0.08 (US$0.0097 )

Jan. 1, 1997-Dec. 31, 1997

  RMB 0.06 (US$0.0072 )

Jan. 1, 1998-Dec. 31, 1998

  RMB 0.03 (US$0.0036 )

Jan. 1, 1999-Dec. 31, 1999

  RMB 0.05 (US$0.0060 )

Jan. 1, 2000-Dec. 31, 2000

  RMB 0.06 (US$0.0072 )

Jan. 1, 2001-Dec. 31, 2001

    No dividend  

Jan. 1, 2002-Dec. 31, 2002

  RMB 0.05 (US$0.0060 )

Jan. 1, 2003-Dec. 31, 2003

  RMB  0.08 (US$0.0097 )

 

See also Item 8. Financial Information – Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information – Dividend Policy.

 

Exchange Rates

 

The Chinese Government controls its foreign currency reserves in part through direct regulation of the conversion of Renminbi into foreign exchange and through restrictions on foreign trade. See Item 10. Additional Information.

 

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The following table sets forth information concerning exchange rates between Renminbi and US dollars for the periods indicated:

 

     Noon Buying Rates (RMB/US$)

Period


   Period End

   Average(1)

   High

   Low

1999

   8.2795    8.2785    8.2800    8.2770

2000

   8.2774    8.2784    8.2799    8.2768

2001

   8.2766    8.2772    8.2786    8.2676

2002

   8.2800    8.2772    8.2800    8.2669

2003

   8.2767    8.2771    8.2800    8.2765

December, 2003

   8.2767    —      8.2772    8.2765

January, 2004

   8.2768    —      8.2772    8.2767

February, 2004

   8.2769    —      8.2773    8.2769

March, 2004

   8.2770    —      8.2774    8.2767

April, 2004

   8.2771    —      8.2772    8.2768

May, 2004

   8.2769    —      8.2773    8.2768

Latest Practicable Date, May 28, 2004

   8.2769    —      —      —  

Source: The Noon Buying Rate in New York for cable transfers payable in foreign currencies as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Note: (1)     Determined by averaging the rates on the last business day of each month during the respective period.

 

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness.

 

Not applicable.

 

C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds.

 

Not applicable.

 

D. Risk Factors.

 

Our operations may be adversely affected by the cyclical nature of the petroleum and petrochemical market and by the volatility of prices of crude oil and refined oil products.

 

Most of our revenues are attributable to petrochemical products which have historically been cyclical and sensitive to the availability and price of feedstocks and general economic conditions. Markets for many of our products are sensitive to changes in industry capacity and output levels, cyclical changes in regional and global economic conditions, the price and availability of substitute products and changes in consumer demand, which from time to time have had a significant impact on product prices in the regional and global markets. Historically, the markets for these products have experienced alternating periods of tight supply, causing prices and margins to increase, followed by periods of capacity additions, possibly resulting in oversupply and declining prices and margins. As tariffs and other import restrictions are reduced and the control of product allocation and pricing is relaxed in China, the markets for many of our products have become increasingly subject to the cyclicality of regional and global markets. Historically, international prices of crude oil have fluctuated widely due to many other factors that are beyond our control. We cannot assure you that future growth in demand for our products will be sufficient to alleviate any existing or future conditions of excess industry capacity or that such conditions will not be sustained or further aggravated by anticipated or unanticipated capacity additions or other events. In addition, we expect that the volatility and uncertainty of the prices of crude oil and petrochemical products will continue. Increasing crude oil prices and declines in prices of petrochemical products may adversely affect our business and results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Our development plans have significant capital expenditure and financing requirements, which are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties.

 

The petrochemical business is a capital intensive business. Our ability to maintain and increase our revenues, net income and cash flows depends upon continued capital spending. Our current business strategy contemplates capital expenditures for 2004 of approximately RMB1,900 million (US$229.56 million), which will be provided through financing activities and use of our own capital. Our actual capital expenditures may vary significantly from these planned amounts due to our ability to generate sufficient cash flows from operations, investments and other factors that may be beyond our control. In addition, there can be no assurance as to whether, or at what cost, our capital projects will be completed or the success of these projects if completed.

 

As of March 31, 2004, we had aggregate outstanding indebtedness of approximately RMB9,252 million (US$1,117.84 million). China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (“Sinopec Corp”), our controlling shareholder, did not provide any guarantee or credit support for our debt during the period between January 1, 2003 and March 31, 2004.

 

Our ability to obtain external financing in the future is subject to a variety of uncertainties including:

 

  our future results of operations, financial condition and cash flows;

 

  the condition of the economy in China and the markets for our products;

 

  the cost of financing and the condition of financial markets; and

 

  the issuance of relevant government approvals and other project risks associated with the development of infrastructure in China.

 

Our failure to obtain sufficient funding for our operations or development plans could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

We could face increased competition.

 

Eastern China, our principal market, has enjoyed stronger economic growth and a higher demand for petrochemical products than other regions of China. As a result, we believe that competitors will try to expand their sales and build up their distribution networks in our principal market. We believe this trend will continue and probably accelerate. Increased competition may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may not be able to pass on all cost increases from rising crude oil prices.

 

We currently consume large amounts of crude oil to manufacture our products. While we try to match crude oil cost increases with sales price increases, our ability to pass on cost increases to our customers is dependent on market conditions and government regulations. There may be periods during which we cannot fully cover increases in crude oil prices by increases in the sale prices of our products. This may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Related party transactions; non-competition; conflicts of interests.

 

We have engaged from time to time and will continue to engage in a variety of transactions with Sinopec Corp and China Petrochemical Corporation, the controlling shareholder of Sinopec Corp, and

 

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their various subsidiaries or affiliates who provide a number of services to us, including sales and marketing, educational and community services. Our transactions with these companies are governed by a number of service and other contracts, the terms of which were negotiated on an arm’s length basis. In addition, Sinopec Corp has interests in businesses which compete or are likely to compete, either directly or indirectly, with our businesses. Because Sinopec Corp is our controlling shareholder and its interests may conflict with our own interests, Sinopec Corp may take actions that favor itself over our interests.

 

We are controlled by Sinopec Corp, whose interests may not be aligned with yours.

 

As of May 31, 2004, Sinopec Corp owned 55.56% of our shares. Accordingly, it has voting and management control over us, and its interests may be different from your interests and the interests of our other shareholders. Subject to our Articles of Association and applicable laws and regulations, Sinopec Corp will be in a position to cause us to declare dividends, determine the outcome of corporate actions requiring shareholder approval or effect corporate transactions without the approval of the holders of the H shares and ADSs. Any such increase in our dividend payout would reduce funds available for reinvestment in our business and any such actions or transactions could adversely affect us or our minority shareholders. Additionally, Sinopec Corp completed its initial public offering of shares in late 2000. As a public company, Sinopec Corp may experience changes in its own business strategy and policies. Although we are not currently aware of any such changes, they could, in turn, lead Sinopec Corp to change its policies or practices toward us in ways that we cannot predict, with corresponding unpredictable consequences for our business.

 

Our business operations may be adversely affected by present or future environmental regulations.

 

We are subject to extensive environmental protection laws and regulations in China. These laws and regulations permit:

 

  the imposition of fees for the discharge of waste substances;

 

  the levy of fines and payments for damages for serious environmental offenses; and

 

  the central government, at its discretion, to close any facility which fails to comply with orders and require it to correct or stop operations causing environmental damage.

 

Our production operations produce substantial amounts of waste materials. In addition, our production facilities require operating permits that are subject to renewal, modification and revocation. We believe that our operations substantially comply with all applicable Chinese environmental laws and regulations as they have been previously interpreted and enforced. The Chinese government, however, has moved, and may move further, toward more rigorous enforcement of applicable laws, and toward the adoption of more stringent environmental standards. There can be no assurance that Chinese national or local authorities will not impose additional regulations or apply more rigorous enforcement of such regulations which would require additional expenditures on environmental matters.

 

Our business may be limited or adversely affected by government regulations.

 

The central and local Chinese governments continue to exercise a certain degree of control over the petrochemical industry in China by, among other things:

 

  mandating distribution channels for our petroleum products;

 

  allocating and pricing of certain resources and services;

 

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  assessing taxes and fees payable;

 

  setting import and export quotas and procedures; and

 

  setting safety, environmental and quality standards.

 

As a result, we may face significant constraints on our flexibility and ability to expand our business operations or to maximize our profitability. In the past, we have benefited from favorable regulatory policies that have, for example, reduced the competition we face from illegal imports of petroleum products. Existing policies that favor our industry may change in the future and our business could be adversely affected by any such changes.

 

Our development plans require regulatory approval.

 

We are currently engaged in a number of construction and expansion projects. Most of our projects are subject to governmental review and approval. The timing and cost of completion of these projects will depend on numerous factors, including approvals from relevant government authorities and general economic conditions in China.

 

While in general we attempt to obtain governmental approval as far in advance as practicable, we may not be able to control the timing and outcome of these governmental reviews and approvals. If any of our important projects required for our future growth are not approved, or not approved on a timely basis, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

 

China’s entry into the World Trade Organization, or WTO, may significantly increase foreign competition in our lines of business.

 

China joined the WTO on December 11, 2001. As part of its membership, China has committed to eliminate some tariff and non-tariff barriers to foreign competition in the domestic petrochemical industry that benefited us in the past. In particular, China has reduced tariffs on imported petrochemicals products that compete with ours to 2.8% to 14.2% from 5% to 17%, and

 

  will permit increasing levels of foreign investment in the domestic petrochemicals industry, allowing foreign investors to own 100% of a domestic petrochemicals company by December 11, 2004;

 

  will gradually relax restrictions on the import of crude oil by non-state owned companies;

 

  will grant foreign-owned companies the right to import petrochemical products;

 

  will permit foreign companies to distribute and market petroleum products in both retail and wholesale markets in China.

 

As a result of these measures, we will likely face increased competition from foreign companies and imports in the near future and longer term. Overall, we think that China’s WTO entry will also create substantial amounts of new investment and business in China, with a corresponding increase in sales opportunities for us. We do, however, believe that our products have been and will continue generally to be competitive with imported products in the PRC. Tariff reductions, however, could reduce our profit margins or otherwise negatively impact our revenue from certain products, including a small number of significant products. The PRC government may also reduce the tariffs imposed on production equipment that we may import in the future, as well as the restrictions on availability of imported raw materials (such as crude oil) currently enforced by the PRC. Although we are confident that we may be able to capture additional sales, the net effect of China’s accession to the WTO on our business and results of operations remains to be seen.

 

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Political and economic policies in China could affect our business in unpredictable ways.

 

The economy of China differs from the economies of most countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development in a number of respects, including:

 

  structure;

 

  level of government involvement;

 

  level of development;

 

  level of capital reinvestment;

 

  control of foreign exchange; and

 

  allocation of resources.

 

Before its adoption of reform and open-door policies beginning in 1978, China was primarily a planned economy. Since that time, the Chinese government has been reforming the Chinese economic system, and has also begun reforming the government structure. These reforms have resulted in significant economic growth and social progress. Although the Chinese government still owns a significant portion of the productive assets in China, economic reform policies since the late 1980s have emphasized autonomous enterprises and the utilization of market mechanisms. We currently expect that the Chinese government will continue these reforms, further reduce government intervention and rely more heavily on market mechanisms to allocate resources. Although we believe these reforms will have a positive effect on our overall and long-term development, we cannot predict whether changes to China’s political, economic and social conditions, laws, regulations and policies will have any adverse effect on our current or future business or results of operations.

 

If the Chinese government changes current regulations that allow us to make payments in foreign currencies, we could have trouble making our foreign exchange payments.

 

The Renminbi currently is not a freely convertible currency. We receive most of our revenue in Renminbi. A portion of our Renminbi revenue must be converted into other currencies to meet our foreign currency obligations. We have substantial requirements for foreign currency, including:

 

  debt service costs on foreign currency-denominated debt;

 

  purchases of imported equipment;

 

  payment of any cash dividends declared in respect of the H shares; and

 

  import of crude oil and other materials.

 

Under existing foreign exchange regulations in China, we may undertake current account foreign exchange transactions, including the payment of dividends, without prior approval from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange by producing commercial documents evidencing the foreign exchange transactions, provided that they are processed through Chinese banks licensed to engage in foreign exchange transactions. The Chinese government has stated publicly that it intends to eventually

 

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make the Renminbi freely convertible in the future. However, uncertainty exists as to whether the Chinese government may restrict access to foreign currency for current account transactions if foreign currency becomes scarce in China.

 

Foreign exchange transactions under the capital account (international revenues and expenditures that increase or decrease debt or equity, including principal payments in respect of foreign currency-denominated obligations) continue to be subject to limitations and require the prior approval of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. These limitations could affect our ability to obtain foreign exchange through debt financing, or to make capital expenditures in foreign currency.

 

If the Chinese government restricts our ability to make payments in foreign currency, we could have trouble making our foreign exchange payments and could even default on our obligations.

 

Fluctuations in the value of the Renminbi could reduce our profits or our dividends.

 

Although the official exchange rate for the conversion of Renminbi to U.S. dollars has been stable, the exchange rate of the Renminbi may become volatile against the U.S. dollar or other currencies in the future.

 

Substantially all of our revenues are denominated in Renminbi, while most of our crude oil purchases and equipment purchases and some of our debt repayments are denominated in foreign currencies. Any future Renminbi devaluation could increase our costs. This could in turn raise our costs of operations and harm our profitability. Any devaluation of the Renminbi may adversely affect the value of any dividends payable on our H shares and ADSs in foreign currency terms.

 

Interpretation and enforcement of Chinese laws and regulations is uncertain.

 

The Chinese legal system is based on statutory law. Under this system, prior court decisions may be cited as persuasive authority, but do not have the binding effect of precedents. Since 1979, the Chinese government has been developing a comprehensive system of commercial laws and considerable progress has been made in the promulgation of laws and regulations dealing with economic matters, such as corporate organization and governance, foreign investment, commerce, taxation and trade. As these laws, regulations and legal requirements are relatively new, and because of the limited volume of published case law and judicial interpretations and the non-binding nature of prior court decisions, the interpretation and enforcement of these laws, regulations and legal requirements involve greater uncertainty than in other jurisdictions.

 

You may not enjoy shareholders’ protections that you would be entitled to in other jurisdictions.

 

As most of our business is conducted in China, our operations are governed principally by the laws of China. Chinese legal provisions for the protection of shareholders’ rights and access to information are different and less developed than those applicable to companies formed in the United States, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and other developed countries or regions. You may not enjoy shareholders’ protections under Chinese law that you would be entitled to in other jurisdictions.

 

Our Articles of Association require you to submit your disputes with us and other persons to arbitration. You will have no legal right to a court proceeding.

 

Our Articles of Association require a holder of H shares and ADSs having a claim against, or a dispute with, us, our directors, supervisors, executive officers or a holder of our domestic shares relating to any rights or obligations conferred or imposed by our Articles of Association, the Chinese Company

 

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Law or any other Chinese laws or regulations relating to our affairs, to submit the dispute or claim to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission or to the Hong Kong International Arbitration Center for arbitration. Our Articles of Association further provide that the arbitrator’s award shall be final and binding on all parties.

 

ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY.

 

A. History and Development of the Company

 

General Information

 

We were established in the People’s Republic of China as a joint stock limited company under the Chinese Company Law on June 29, 1993 as Shanghai Petrochemical Company Limited. On October 12, 2000, we changed our name to Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Company Limited. Our registered office is at No.48 Jinyi Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai, China. Our telephone number there is (86-21) 5794-1941.

 

Our Predecessor

 

Our predecessor, Shanghai Petrochemical Complex (the “Complex”), was founded in 1972 as one of the first large scale Chinese petrochemical enterprises using advanced imported technology and equipment. Prior to June 29, 1993, the Complex was wholly-owned by China Petrochemical Corporation, at the time a ministerial level enterprise. (before its restructuring in 1998, “Sinopec”). The Complex’s location was chosen because of accessibility by water and land transportation to Shanghai, the major industrial city of China, and the availability of reclaimable land. The Complex was initially under the administration of the Ministry of Textile Industry and in 1983 was placed under the administration of Sinopec.

 

The Complex and we, as its successor, have undergone four major stages of construction. The first stage of construction (1972-1976) included reclamation of land and the installation of 18 production units. The second stage of construction (1980-1986) increased the Complex’s capacity for processing crude oil and doubled its capacity for synthetic fiber production. The third stage of construction (1987-1992) primarily consisted of the installation of a 300,000 ton Rated Capacity ethylene unit, an additional crude oil refining unit and other units for the production of petrochemical products. The third stage of construction completed our transition from a synthetic fiber producer to a highly integrated producer of a wide variety of petrochemical products. The fourth stage of construction (2000-2002) mainly included the 700,000-ton Ethylene Expansion Project and Coal-Fired Power Plant Expansion Project which is described under Item 4. Information on the Company – Property, Plant and Equipment – Capital Expansion Program.

 

Over the past twenty years, the Complex built up an infrastructure system to support its production needs. The Complex has its own facilities to supply water, electricity, steam and other utilities and to treat waste water, as well as ocean and inland waterway wharfs and railroad and road transportation facilities.

 

Our Initial Public Offering and Listing

 

We were established as a subsidiary of Sinopec on June 29, 1993. In preparation for our initial public offering of ordinary shares, all the assets and liabilities of the Complex were transferred to us and to Sinopec Shanghai Jinshan Industrial Company (“JI”), a separate subsidiary of Sinopec newly established as a state-owned enterprise. The Complex’s non-core businesses and assets, such as housing, stores, schools, transportation and medical services were transferred to JI. The Complex then ceased to

 

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exist as a legal entity. In 1998, Sinopec was restructured into a limited liability company under the name of China Petrochemical Corporation (“Sinopec Group”). In a subsequent reorganization, Sinopec Group transferred its interest in us to its subsidiary, Sinopec Corp on February 25, 2000. In 1997, JI was dissolved and its subsidiaries were transferred to Sinopec. Sinopec Group now provides community services to us that were formerly provided by JI.

 

Our H Shares are listed on the HKSE. Our American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”), each representing 100 H Shares, are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). Our A Shares are listed on the Shanghai Securities Exchange. We were the first Chinese joint stock limited company to have securities concurrently traded in Hong Kong, the United States and China. On January 31, 1994, our A Shares were included in the Shanghai Securities Exchange Stock Index.

 

Interest in Other Companies

 

In 1999, we entered into an agreement to acquire 38.26% of Shanghai Chemical Industry Park Development Co., Ltd (the “Chemical Park Company”) of which we have injected our entire investment of RMB 607.770 million (US$73.43 million). The Chemical Park Company was established to develop Shanghai Chemical Industry Park, the primary industrial park in Shanghai to house multi-national petroleum and chemical companies. Other shareholders of the Chemical Park Company include companies controlled by the Shanghai Municipal Government.

 

Late in 2001, we established a Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture, Shanghai Secco Petrochemical Company Limited (“Secco”), together with BP Chemicals East China Investments Limited (“BP”) and Sinopec Corp. We own 20%, while BP and Sinopec Corp own 50% and 30% of the equity interest of Secco, respectively. Secco was established to build and operate a 900,000 tons Rated Capacity ethylene petrochemical manufacturing facility, to manufacture and market ethylene, polyethylene, styrene, polystyrene, propylene, acrylonitrile, polypropylene, butadiene, aromatics and by-products, to provide related after-sales services and technical advice with respect to such petrochemical products and by products, and to engage in polymers application development. Secco is expected to complete construction in 2005. Secco’s registered capital is US$901,440,964 out of which we are obligated to contribute an amount equivalent to US$180,287,952 in Renminbi prior to 2005. As of December 31, 2003, our contribution amounted to RMB621.9 million (US$75.1 million). We have been financing and expect to continue to finance this project with revenues received from our operation. For a description of capital expansion projects related to our facilities, please see Item 4. Information on the Company – Property, Plant and Equipment – Capital Expansion Program.

 

B. Business Overview

 

We are one of the largest petrochemical companies in China based on 2003 net sales and ethylene production. Our highly integrated petrochemical complex processes crude oil into a broad range of products in four major product areas:

 

  synthetic fibers,

 

  resins and plastics,

 

  intermediate petrochemicals, and

 

  petroleum products.

 

Based on 2003 sales volumes, we are a leading Chinese producer in each of our principal synthetic fibers and resins and plastics products. We believe that we are also a leading competitor in sales of petroleum products and intermediate petrochemicals in our regional markets

 

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Our net sales in each of 2003, 2002 and 2001 are summarized as follows:

 

Net Sales of RMB28,943 million (US$3,496.93 million) in 2003

 

Synthetic fibers

   14.14 %

Resins and plastics

   30.63 %

Intermediate petrochemicals

   13.31 %

Petroleum products

   35.69 %

Trading and others

   6.23 %

Total:

   100 %

 

Net Sales of RMB 21,723 million (US$2,624.41 million) in 2002

 

Synthetic fibers

   15.53 %

Resins and plastics

   29.65 %

Intermediate petrochemicals

   11.76 %

Petroleum products

   36.79 %

Trading and others

   6.27 %

Total:

   100 %

 

Net Sales of RMB19,618 million (US$2,370.10 million) in 2001

 

Synthetic fibers

   16.4 %

Resins and plastics

   28.7 %

Intermediate petrochemicals

   10.8 %

Petroleum products

   39.4 %

Trading and others

   4.7 %

Total:

   100 %

 

In 2003, our net sales were RMB28,943 million (US$3,496.93 million) and operating margin was 6.9%.

 

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We derive a substantial portion of our revenues from customers in Eastern China (principally Shanghai and its six nearby provinces), an area that has experienced economic growth above the national average in recent years. We believe that we are well-positioned to take advantage of opportunities which may arise through the growth of the Chinese economy generally and in this area in particular. Shown by geographic region, our net sales by product category for each of 2003, 2002 and 2001 are as follows:

 

2003 Net Sales by Region (%)

 

     Eastern China

   Other parts of China

   Exports

Synthetic fibers

   86.14    12.98    0.88

Resins and plastics

   88.67    11.27    0.06

Intermediate petrochemicals

   89.54    6.20    4.26

Petroleum products

   89.59    0.00    10.41

 

2002 Net Sales by Region (%)

 

     Eastern China

   Other parts of China

   Exports

Synthetic fibers

   82.91    16.57    0.52

Resins and plastics

   92.35    7.58    0.07

Intermediate petrochemicals

   83.22    9.37    7.41

Petroleum products

   88.54    1.58    9.88

 

2001 Net Sales by Region (%)

 

     Eastern China

   Other parts of China

   Exports

Synthetic fibers

   86.33    12.42    1.25

Resins and plastics

   90.15    9.63    0.22

Intermediate petrochemicals

   93.61    3.96    2.43

Petroleum products

   95.59    0.00    4.41

 

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Business Strategy

 

Our strategy is to develop our leading role in the Chinese petrochemical industry by increasing production capacities, particularly for higher-margin products, and improving operating efficiencies. In the long term, we aim to increase annual production of ethylene from the current 900,000 tons to more than one million tons. This would give us the feedstock we need to significantly expand our production of higher-margin products. In order to pursue this goal, we are positioning ourselves for larger-scale projects and acquisitions by maintaining our financing capacity.

 

In the near-term, our goal is to:

 

  streamline production by increasing our capacity to produce key intermediate products such as ethylene and propylene and

 

  produce higher-margin products, including certain resin and plastic products, chemical products and synthetic fibers by adding or expanding production capacity.

 

In order to support our ethylene expansion and to provide additional capacity and flexibility, we also plan to expand and renovate our oil refining capabilities. Doing so should permit us to produce additional feedstock for our ethylene expansion. By adding processing units to refine vacuum gas oil (“VGO”) and residual oil, we should be able to produce more higher-margin petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel products and certain intermediate petrochemical products which can be sold or used as feedstock for our own downstream products.

 

We, on a continuous basis, are also implementing plans for improving operating efficiencies. These are designed to: (i) gain incremental improvements in capacity utilization from our existing facilities; (ii) reduce maintenance downtime by adopting more sophisticated maintenance and repair techniques; (iii) produce better cost control by implementing additional financial and operational reporting systems; and (iv) enable us to monitor market conditions and adjust our pricing and product mix responsively.

 

Principal Products

 

We produce over 60 different types of products representing a broad range of synthetic fibers, resins and plastics, intermediate petrochemicals and petroleum products. We use many of the important petroleum products and intermediate petrochemicals we produce in producing our own downstream products. The following table shows our 2003 net sales by major product as a percentage of total net sales together with the typical uses of these products.

 

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Product


   % of net sales

  

Typical Use


SYNTHETIC FIBERS

         

Acrylic staple fiber

   6.44    One can be woven on its own or blended with cotton into cotton-type fabrics, the other can be woven on its own or blended with wool into wool-type fabrics and acrylic top

Polyester staple

   2.77    Textiles and apparel

Acrylic top

   2.86    High bulk hand knitting yarn, blankets and fabrics

Polyester POY

   0.19    Low stretch yarn and drawn textured yarn polyester filaments and textiles

PP fiber

   0.47    Industrial unwoven fabric, and textiles and apparel

Others

   1.41     

Sub-total

   14.14     

RESINS AND PLASTICS

         

Polyester chips

   7.73    Polyester fibers, films and containers

LDPE pellets

   11.33    Films, ground sheeting, wire and cable compound and other injection molding products such as housewares and toys

LDPE film

   0.51    Agricultural greenhouse materials and packing for consumer products

PP pellets

   9.66    Extruded films or sheets, injection molded products such as housewares, toys and household electric appliance and automobile parts

PVA

   1.26    PVA fibers, building coating materials and textile starch

Others

   0.14     

Sub-total

   30.63     

INTERMEDIATE PETROCHEMICALS

         

Ethylene

   1.66    Feedstock for Polyethylene, EG, PVC and other intermediate petrochemicals which can be further processed into resins and plastics and synthetic fiber.

Benzene

   1.28    Intermediate petrochemical products, styrene, plastics, explosives, dyes, detergents, epoxies and nylon

Ethylene oxide

   2.97    Intermediate for chemical and pharmaceutical industry, dyes, detergents and adjuvant

Butadiene

   2.41    Synthetic rubber and plastics

Ethylene glycol

   0.71    Fine chemicals

Others

   4.28     

Sub-total

   13.31     

PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

         

Gasoline

   7.03    Transportation fuels

Diesel

   19.33    Agricultural fuels

Residual Oil

   0.33    Industrial fuels

Jet Oil

   4.15    Transportation fuels

Others

   4.85     

Sub-total

   35.69     

Trading and Others

   6.23     

Total

   100.00     

 

Production Processes

 

The key sectors in our vertically integrated production facilities are the ethylene units which produce ethylene and propylene, and our aromatics plants which principally produce paraxylene (“PX”) and benzene. Ethylene is the major raw material in the production of polyethylene (“PE”) and polyvinyl acetate (“PVA”). Ethylene is also used to make monoethylene glycol (“MEG”) which, together with pure terephthalic acid (“PTA”), is used to manufacture polyester. Propylene is the major raw material in the production of acrylonitrile and polypropylene (“PP”). These products are produced through the processing of a series of petrochemical units from crude oil. Our production processes are shown in the flow chart below.

 

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LOGO

 

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Our refinery units refine crude oil into five basic components: (1) atmospheric gas oil (“AGO”), (2) VGO, (3) residual oil, (4) gasoline, and (5) light diesel oil. The AGO is fed to the ethylene units primarily to produce ethylene and propylene. The VGO is further processed in a hydrocracking unit producing mainly light and heavy naphtha, liquified petroleum gas (“LPG”), diesel oil, various aromatic hydrocarbon products and jet fuel. Residual oil can be further processed into gasoline, diesel oil, LPG, propylene and other products.

 

Intermediate Petrochemicals

 

Ethylene – Ethylene is either directly processed into PE resins or processed into other intermediate petrochemicals. The most important of these is MEG. MEG is a key ingredient in polyester. It is produced by oxidizing ethylene in the ethylene oxide (“EO”)/ethylene glycol (“EG”) unit. Ethylene is also used to produce vinyl acetate which is processed into PVA.

 

Propylene – Propylene is either processed directly into PP resins or is further processed into other intermediate petrochemicals such as acrylonitrile, sodium thiocyanate and sodium cyanide. Acrylonitrile is used in producing acrylics.

 

Vacuum gas oil – VGO is passed through the hydrocracker, and the resulting heavy naphtha is fed into the aromatics plants to produce PX and benzene. PX is processed into PTA, one of the principal raw materials in producing polyester.

 

Resins and Plastics and Synthetic Fibers

 

We process our intermediate petrochemical products into five kinds of synthetic fiber raw materials: (1) polyester, (2) acrylonitrile, (3) PP, (4) Polyethylene (“PE”) and (5) PVA. Each of these five products has its own production line or lines. We further process polyester, acrylonitrile and polypropylene into various types of synthetic fibers.

 

Polyester – MEG and PTA are fed into a polymerization unit which produces polyester chips and polyester melt. Both chips and melt are used as raw materials in the production of polyester staple and filaments. Some chips are also sold to third parties.

 

Polyester staple fiber is a multi-strand fiber cut into short lengths which can be spun into fabric on its own or blended with cotton, wool or flax to produce textiles. Polyester filaments are a class of more highly processed polyester materials which have been drawn and oriented to produce a long thread-like fiber. Our initial processing produces polyester partially-oriented yarn (“POY”), which is an intermediate polyester filament product sold to textile enterprises for further processing.

 

Acrylonitrile – We produce polyacrylonitrile by feeding acrylonitrile into a polymerization unit. By passing the polyacrylonitrile through the fiber unit, acrylic fiber and acrylic staple fiber are produced, including cotton and wool type staple fibers. Wool acrylic staple fiber can be processed into acrylic wool strips.

 

Polypropylene – We produce PP resins by feeding propylene into a polymerization unit. Our fiber grade PP resin is the main ingredient for PP fiber production.

 

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Polyethylene – We have three sets of units producing polyethylene, two of which produce LDPE using the kettle type process, and the other unit produces all density polyethylene products using the Borstar bimodal process.

 

Polyvinyl acetate –PVA granules are produced from vinyl acetate (“VAC”), derived from ethylene.

 

Raw Materials

 

Crude Oil

 

Crude oil is our primary raw material and the most significant raw material we purchase from outside sources. In 2003, crude oil purchases accounted for approximately 60.04% of our total cost of sales. Accordingly, the supply and price of crude oil are key factors in determining our profitability.

 

Allocation and Transportation – The Chinese government exercises centralized management and control of the distribution of all crude oil, whether from domestic or foreign sources, and major petroleum products within China. Under this system, all our crude oil must be allocated by Sinopec Corp. During 2003, we did not experience any significant problems in obtaining sufficient crude oil to meet our production needs.

 

Sinopec Group is responsible for preparing an annual plan on demand and supply for crude oil and petroleum products that forms the basis of the Chinese government’s annual “balancing plan” which effectively dictates how much crude oil we will receive each year. Further, because the plan applies not only to domestic onshore oil, but also to domestic offshore oil and imported crude oil, we must consult with Sinopec Group in order to switch to domestic offshore oil or imported crude oil to reduce our cost. Likewise, under the “balancing plan”, some of our petroleum products are designated for sale to the subsidiaries of Sinopec Group or other designated customers and we must consult Sinopec Group to sell elsewhere. Therefore, we cannot freely sell our petroleum products to take advantage of any opportunities for higher-priced sales.

 

We have received confirmation from Sinopec Corp that we will receive an allocation of 0.3 million tons of domestic onshore and offshore crude oil and 8.35 million tons of foreign crude oil in 2004. Sinopec Corp has further confirmed that, subject to Chinese national crude oil policy, it will continue to allocate sufficient quantities and appropriate kinds of crude oil to us, including domestic onshore, domestic offshore and foreign crude oil, for our anticipated annual needs. We anticipate fully utilizing our 2004 allocation of crude oil. We believe that the mix of crude oil feedstocks currently available is satisfactory for our 2004 production capacity and targets. Additionally, as part of China’s commitment at its accession into WTO, certain non-state-owned enterprises have been granted an increasing quota to import crude oil. Although we do not expect to obtain crude oil through this channel in the foreseeable future due to the current crude oil allocation system, this may provide us with an alternative source of crude oil supply.

 

Crude Oil Mix – Our refining equipment is designed to process certain grades of crude oil. Therefore, the origin and quality of the crude oil available can be important to our business. We believe, as we are significantly increasing usage of foreign crude oil, we will continue to be able to obtain such foreign crude oil that is compatible with our refining equipment. The overall mix of foreign versus domestic crude oil we process in 2004 will depend on a variety of factors, including the amount of future allocations of domestic onshore crude oil and the availability, price, quality, processing profitability and compatibility with our refining capabilities of foreign crude oil. Provided there are no significant modifications to the existing crude oil allocation policy, we believe that sufficient supplies of crude oil will be available on the domestic or international markets for our 2004 production capacity and goals.

 

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In 2003, our crude oil was sourced as follows:

 

Daqing Oilfield in Heilongjiang Province

   0.45 %

Shengli Oilfield in Shandong Province

   16.76 %

Domestic offshore and foreign crude oil

   82.79 %

Total:

   100 %

 

As a result of a consistent decrease in the supply of domestic crude oil, we plan to continue to significantly increase the proportion of foreign crude oil we use. While we expect our mix of crude oil feedstocks to change as a result, we believe that we will be able to maintain our processing efficiency through technological adjustments of our equipment and quality control and that increased use of imported oil will not materially adversely impact our business and results of operations.

 

Domestic onshore crude oil is transported by pipeline to China’s east coast and then by oil tanker to our oil terminal wharf at Chenshan. Foreign and domestic offshore crude oil is supplied by tanker to our oil terminal wharf. See Item 4D. Property, Plants and Equipment -Wharfs.

 

In the past, we have not experienced disruption in our crude oil supply. We have on-site crude oil storage tanks capable of storing approximately 460,000 cubic meters of crude oil. This crude oil storage can provide us with approximately 20 days’ supply of crude oil. Generally, these storage tanks remain nearly full to minimize the effect of any temporary disruption in the supply of crude oil.

 

Pricing – The price of domestic onshore crude oil is controlled by China National Petroleum Corporation (“CNPC”) and Sinopec Group based on government pricing policies, while the price of domestic offshore and foreign crude oil is generally allocated to us at prevailing international market prices. The average cost of foreign and domestic offshore crude oil in 2003 was RMB1,876(US$226.6) per ton and RMB 1,793(US$216.6) per ton, respectively. In 2003, we processed 479,000 tons of domestic offshore crude oil and 6.7141 million tons of foreign crude oil.

 

Beginning June 1998, the Chinese government established a unified pricing system for crude oil. Each month, the NDRC, now known as the National Development and Reform Commission (“NDRC”), established an indicative price for each grade of domestic onshore crude oil based on comparable international market prices, inclusive of any duties that would have been imposed had the oil been imported. The actual price for domestic onshore oil would be such indicative price plus a surcharge. This surcharge was determined by CNPC and Sinopec Group to reflect any transportation and other miscellaneous costs that would have been incurred in having the oil delivered to various refineries. In March 2001, the NDRC ceased publishing an indicative price. Instead, the indicative price for domestic onshore oil is calculated and determined directly by CNPC and Sinopec Group based on the principles and methods formerly applied by the NDRC. However, this pricing system only applied to domestic onshore crude oil that we purchased from CNPC’s oilfields, or Daqing Crude Oil. Beginning in 2000, Sinopec Group adopted a new pricing mechanism for Shengli Crude Oil and now sets the price by reference to international crude oil prices. Although this more closely reflects trends in international markets, the timing of the price adjustments can result in prices that differ significantly from the then current international market prices.

 

In 2003, the average price we paid for Daqing Crude Oil was RMB1,744(US$210.7) per ton and the average price we paid for Shengli Crude Oil was RMB1,703 (US$205.8) per ton. In 2003, we processed 39,300 tons of Daqing Crude Oil and 1,377,700 tons of Shengli Crude Oil.

 

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Sinopec Corp has undertaken that it will allocate crude oil to us in quantities and at prices no less favorable than the quantities received and prices paid by other enterprises that it controls. On this basis, we believe that changes in crude oil prices should not have a material effect on our competitiveness with other domestic producers. Nevertheless, any increase in the price of crude oil could have an adverse impact on our profitability to the extent that we are unable to pass cost increases on to our customers.

 

Coal

 

Unlike crude oil, coal is not subject to government allocation. We purchase coal directly from the Datong mines in Shanxi Province. Coal is transported by rail from the mines to Qinhuangdao port and shipped by barge to Jinshanwei where it is delivered to the plant via a wharf and conveyer system. Our cost of coal is materially dependent on transportation charges. Although coal may be purchased from alternative sources, railroad transportation must be obtained by allocation from the Chinese government on a monthly basis.

 

We expect that our total requirement for coal to generate electricity in 2004 will be approximately 1.68 million tons. In 2003, we consumed approximately 1.62 million tons of coal, an increase from 2002 of approximately 0.02 million tons.

 

Other Raw Materials

 

We produce most of the raw materials used as feedstock for our operations. If any of these raw materials, other than ethylene, becomes unavailable from internal production, we believe that there are sufficient alternative sources at reasonable prices and the unavailability of raw materials from internal source will not have a significant effect on our operations and profitability.

 

We purchase some ancillary raw materials from outside sources. These raw materials include methanol, ammonia, sodium hydroxide, sulfur, acetone, acrylonitrile, PTA, propylene and a variety of catalytic agents. In 2003, the total cost of these materials accounted for approximately 14.92% of our total cost of sales. We do not expect any difficulties in obtaining a supply of any of these ancillary raw materials in amounts sufficient to meet our needs in the foreseeable future.

 

Sales and Marketing

 

Distribution

 

The distribution of the Company’s petroleum products is still subject to government regulations. We are required to sell certain petroleum products to the subsidiaries of Sinopec Group or customers designated by Sinopec Group. However, the Company has the autonomy to decide on the distribution of its other products in line with market conditions.

 

We generally sell our products to larger trading companies and industrial users with whom we have long-standing relationships, including Sinopec Group or customers designated by Sinopec Group. Despite the rapid changes occurring in the market, we believe that these long-standing relationships will continue to provide us with a stable customer base. At the same time, we intend to strengthen our relationships with these existing customers, especially long-term industrial users, by expanding our sales force and improving technical support and after-sales services. Given the range of products we offer and the profile of our customers, we will continue to sell a significant proportion of our products through large-scale wholesalers and trading companies.

 

Generally large-scale wholesalers and trading companies provide very attractive wholesale pricing terms and excellent liquidity. Many of these trading companies are strong, efficient and

 

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economically viable and have developed extensive and efficient distribution systems. Although we will continue to use these distribution systems, we intend to increasingly use the trading companies as agents rather than distributors. An agency relationship should enable us to utilize a distributor’s network while developing stronger direct relationships with the ultimate purchasers. We are also considering establishing our own sales and distribution network. Currently our products are still principally sold to trading companies and industrial users.

 

We use short-term contracts to sell most of our products. We didn’t experience significant write-offs or defaults on our accounts receivable or other trade accounts in 2003. We generally do not experience seasonal fluctuations in product sales.

 

Product breakdown

 

Synthetic Fibers – In 2003, 3.6% of our synthetic fiber products were purchased by provincial and municipal government trading companies that act as intermediaries between us and end-users. No single customer accounted for more than 7.6% of our sales of synthetic fibers in 2003.

 

Resins and Plastics – In 2003, approximately 6.1% of our resins and plastics sales were to provincial and municipal government trading companies and approximately 61.2% were sold to industrial users. No single customer accounted for more than 10.6% of our sales of resins and plastics in 2003.

 

Intermediate Petrochemicals – We sell a variety of intermediate petrochemicals, few of which are sold in substantial quantities.

 

Shanghai Chlor-Alkali Chemical Co. Ltd. (“Chlor-Alkali”) is the principal outside consumer of our ethylene. In 2003, we sold 110,500 tons of ethylene to Chlor-Alkali, all of which was made outside of the State Plan and sold at market prices. We expect to sell 112,500 tons of ethylene to Chlor-Alkali in 2004.

 

Petroleum Products – In 2003, our primary gasoline and diesel customers were wholesale distribution companies owned by local and provincial government entities in eastern China. We sold residual oil directly to industrial end-users for use as industrial fuel and as feedstock to produce high-margin petroleum products.

 

Product Pricing

 

Most of our products other than petroleum products are permitted to be sold at market prices. However, among our major products, three types of petroleum products, gasoline, diesel and jet oil, and some other products, remain subject to varying degrees of government pricing control and are, accordingly, sold at prices set by the Chinese government. In 2001, 2002 and 2003, approximately 59%, 60% and 59% of our net sales were from products subject to price controls. Price controls may apply to these products in various ways. In some cases they are applied only to a portion of our sales of the controlled product or to only a portion or none of one of our competitor’s output. We believe that the Chinese government will continue relaxing state control over the pricing of petrochemical products.

 

For products that are not subject to price controls, we set our prices with reference to prices in the major Chinese chemical commodities markets in Shanghai and other parts of China. We also monitor pricing developments in major international commodities markets, particularly in Southeast Asia. In most cases, we revise product prices each month, or more frequently during periods of price volatility. Due to our economies of scale, brand recognition and general high quality of products, we believe that we can continue to price our products competitively while maintaining overall profitability.

 

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Competition

 

We compete principally in the Chinese domestic market where 94% of our products were sold in 2003. In addition, the limited transportation infrastructure in China and the difficulties involved in transporting petrochemical products force companies to compete primarily on a regional basis. In 2003, 89% of our net sales were made to customers in Shanghai and its six nearby provinces.

 

Our Competitive Advantages

 

We believe our primary competitive advantages are quality, price, brand recognition, location and vertical integration. We have received many prizes and awards from both central and local government authorities for high product quality. Furthermore, our location on the outskirts of the densely populated and highly industrialized Shanghai area places us in close proximity to many of our customers. This location also gives us convenient access to ocean transport and inland waterways which results in a competitive advantage in terms of transportation cost and reliability and punctuality of product delivery. We believe this geographic advantage will be enhanced as China’s accession into the WTO generates increasing demands for our products in eastern China.

 

We believe that our vertical integration represents a significant competitive advantage over non-integrated competitors in China, both in terms of reliability in delivery and price. For most downstream products, our vertical integration results in significant savings on transportation and storage costs which would be incurred by less vertically integrated facilities.

 

The Domestic Competitive Environment

 

Prior to 1993, because distribution and pricing of our products were determined in accordance with the State Plan, we did not operate in a competitive environment. With the liberalization of control over pricing and product allocation by the Chinese government, competition in the domestic market are expected to gradually increase.

 

Foreign Competition and the World Trade Organization

 

China joined the WTO on December 11, 2001. As part of its membership commitments, China will eliminate some tariff and non-tariff barriers to foreign competition in the domestic petrochemical industry that benefited us in the past. In particular, China has reduced tariffs on imported petrochemicals products that compete with ours to 2% to 12.9% from 5% to 17%, and

 

  will permit increasing levels of foreign investment in the domestic petrochemicals industry, allowing foreign investors to own 100% of a domestic petrochemicals company by December 11, 2004;

 

  will gradually relax restrictions on the import of crude oil by non-state owned companies;

 

  will grant foreign-owned companies the right to import petrochemical products;

 

  will permit foreign companies to distribute and market petroleum products in both retail and wholesale markets in China.

 

As a result of these measures, we will likely face increased competition from foreign companies and imports in the near future and longer term. Changes in crude oil import and distribution could potentially affect our current supply arrangements with Sinopec Corp.

 

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Prior to its entry into the WTO, the Chinese government took early steps to reduce protection from import barriers. Tariffs have been gradually reduced beginning in 1997. Tariffs on petrochemical products which compete with our products ranged from 5% to 17% before WTO entry and have now been reduced to 2% to 12.9% with further reductions planned until they reach 0% to 6.5%. Foreign imports are likely to reduce the prices for domestic petrochemical products and may reduce our net sales. Nevertheless, we believe that our products have been, and will continue generally to be, competitive with imports. We will also benefit from a tariff reduction on crude oil. These early steps and pending tariff reductions have exposed us to international competition early and should help us meet increased competition as China’s WTO entry begins to affect our markets.

 

In addition to tariff reductions, China will liberalize the import of crude oil and the distribution of processed oil and other petrochemical products. Import and export of crude oil has historically been limited to designated state-owned companies. China agreed to allocate 7.2 million tons of crude oil to non-state traders in 2002 and to increase this amount by 15% each year for 10 years, at which time the growth rate will be reviewed by interested WTO member countries. Similarly, several categories of processed oil are also subject to state trading. China will allocate 4 million tons of processed oils to non-state traders and increase this amount by 15% annually for 10 years. Review of this amount by member countries will occur in 2004. In concurrent commitments, China has agreed that minority foreign-owned enterprises would receive trading rights by December 11, 2002, majority foreign-owned enterprises would receive trading rights by December 11, 2003 and wholly foreign-owned enterprises would receive trading rights by December 11, 2004. These changes could, in the long-term, open up alternative sources of crude oil that are not available to us today. They will also, no doubt, create additional foreign investment in China’s petrochemical industry and additional competition for us.

 

Overall, we think that China’s WTO entry will create substantial amounts of new investment and business in China, with a corresponding increase in sales opportunities for us. Although we are confident that we may be able to capture additional sales, the net effect of China’s accession to the WTO on our business and results of operations remains to be seen.

 

Our Competitive Position

 

In the following discussion, our internal consumption of resins and intermediate petrochemicals produced by integrated manufacturers in the production of downstream products are treated as sales.

 

Synthetic Fibers

 

In 2003, we had approximately a 3.33% share and imports had approximately a 12.79% share of total domestic polyester, acrylic and polypropylene consumption. We attribute the high level of imports to a variety of factors, including a shortage in the domestic supply and the importation of synthetic fibers into special economic zones in China, where tariffs are not imposed on imports processed for re-export.

 

The following table summarizes the competitive position of our principal synthetic fibers according to domestic sales in 2003.

 

Product


   Our share of
domestic
consumption


   Our
competitive
ranking


   Location of
principal
domestic
competitor


   Principal
domestic
competitor’s
share of
consumption


   Imports’
share of
consumption


Polyester staple fiber

   2.58    5    Jiangsu    11.4    14.60

Acrylic

   20.04    1    Jilin    7    42.20

Sources: Statistics provided to us by the Sinopec Group and the China National Council of Textiles. For reference only.

 

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Table of Contents

Resins and Plastics

 

In 2003, we had approximately a 5.99% share and imports had approximately a 31.76% share of total domestic resins and plastics consumption. The following table summarizes the competitive position of our principal resins and plastics products according to domestic sales in 2003.

 

Product


   Our share of
domestic
consumption


   Our
competitive
ranking


   Location of
principal
domestic
competitor


   Principal
Domestic
competitor’s
Share of
consumption


   Imports’
share of
consumption


Polyester chips

   4.37    2    Jiangsu    6.3    2.17

PVA granules

   14.81    4    Sichuan and
Anhui
   20.96    11.20

PE

   6.55    1    Beijing    6.46    53.25

PP

   6.76    1    Jiangsu    5.7    39.11

Sources: Statistics provided to us by Sinopec Group. For reference only.

 

Intermediate Petrochemicals

 

In 2003, we were one of the largest sellers of intermediate petrochemicals in China and had an 8.8% share of the total domestic consumption. Imports had approximately a 34.2% share of domestic consumption. Ethylene, benzene and butadiene are our major intermediate petrochemical products. We are currently the largest ethylene producer in China.

 

Petroleum Products

 

In 2003, we had a 2.79% share of the total domestic petroleum products market while imports had a 6.05% share. Although we have one of the largest refining capabilities in China, we use most of our refining capacity to produce feedstock for our own downstream processing of petrochemical products.

 

The domestic markets for each of our major petroleum products are geographically fragmented because these markets tend to be highly localized with individual producers controlling a large share of the markets in their locality. In 2003, we sold approximately 89.59% of our petroleum products in Shanghai and its six nearby provinces.

 

Environmental Protection

 

We are subject to national and local environmental protection regulations which currently impose a graduated schedule of fees for the discharge of waste substances, require the payment of fines for pollution and provide for the forced closure of any facility which fails to comply with orders requiring it to cease or cure certain environmentally damaging practices. We have established environmental protection systems to treat certain of our waste materials and to safeguard against accidents. Because of the nature of our business, however, we store and discharge into the environment a significant amount of waste substances. During 2003, we were assessed a total of RMB18.12 million (US$2.19 million) in fees for discharges of waste substances. As of March 31, 2004, we had not been assessed any fines for environmental violations and there were no actions pending or threatened which would result in the assessment of such a fine.

 

We believe our environmental protection facilities and systems are adequate for the existing national and local environmental protection regulations. However, there can be no assurance that Chinese national or local authorities will not impose additional regulations which would require additional expenditures in respect of environmental matters in the future.

 

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Insurance

 

We currently maintain insurance coverage with Sinopec Group which, as of December 31, 2003, was approximately RMB17.9 billion (US$2.16 billion) on our property and facilities and approximately RMB2.2 billion (US$265.8 million) on our inventory. Transportation vehicles and products in transit are not insured by Sinopec Group. We maintain insurance policies for these assets with The People’s Insurance Company of China. The Sinopec Group insurance coverage is compulsory and applies to all enterprises controlled by Sinopec Group, pursuant to guidelines of Sinopec Group which may not be legally enforceable against Sinopec Group. Thus, there is doubt under Chinese law as to whether we could enforce insurance claims against Sinopec Group.

 

We do not carry any third party liability insurance to cover claims in respect of personal injury, property or environmental damage arising from accidents on our property or relating to our operations other than on our transportation vehicles. We have not had a third party liability claim filed against us during the last five years. Since business interruption insurance is not customary in China, we do not carry such insurance.

 

The Chinese Petrochemical Industry

 

Following the development of several major oil fields and a growth in demand for petroleum and petrochemical products in China in the early 1970’s, the Chinese government organized petroleum refining and petrochemical production and processing facilities into large complexes that would permit integrated production of petroleum products, intermediate petrochemicals, resins and plastics, and synthetic fibers.

 

Although the Chinese government is liberalizing its control over the petroleum and petrochemical industries in China, significant government regulations that limit the business strategies available to us remain. Central government agencies and their local or provincial level counterparts do not own or directly control our production facilities. However, they exercise significant control over the petrochemical industry in areas such as pricing, production quotas, quality standards, allocation of raw materials and finished products, allocation of foreign exchange and Renminbi loans for capital construction projects. The Chinese government’s intentions with respect to the development objectives and policies for the petrochemical industry are stated as part of the Five Year Plans for National Economic and Social Development formulated every five years. These plans at both the national and Shanghai municipality level have identified the petrochemical industry as a “pillar industry” which may qualify companies in the petrochemical industry for preferential treatment by governmental agencies.

 

Historically, we were supervised by Sinopec, a ministry-level enterprise under the direct supervision of the State Council, China’s highest administrative body. As a result of a governmental restructuring in 1998, we became subject to the administration of the State Bureau of Petroleum and Chemical Industry. After its functions were terminated in March 2001, we became subject to the administration of the State Economic and Trade Commission. The State Economic and Trade Commission was dissolved in March, 2003 and its function in directing the reform and management of state-owned enterprises were assumed by the State Assets Regulatory and Management Commission, its function in industry planning and policy making were assumed by NDRC, and its functions in administering domestic trade, coordinating and implementing import and export plans of critical industrial products and raw materials were assumed by the Ministry of Commerce. Since then, we have been subject to the industrial oversight of these three new governmental agencies at the national level.

 

As part of this restructuring, Sinopec was also restructured in July 1998. The succeeding entity, Sinopec Group, was authorized to conduct a petrochemical business and to control the exploration of

 

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crude oil and natural gas and crude oil refining, mainly in the southern and eastern regions of China. China Petroleum and Natural Gas Corporation, another major state-owned petrochemical company, was also restructured and renamed China National Petroleum Corporation to conduct the same type of business, mainly in the northern and western regions of China. On December 31, 1999, Sinopec Group completed a reorganization pursuant to which certain of its core oil and gas and chemical operations and businesses and related assets and liabilities were transferred into its subsidiary, Sinopec Corp, currently our controlling shareholder.

 

C. Organizational Structure.

 

Our Subsidiaries

 

Our significant subsidiaries are listed below:

 

Subsidiary Name


   Jurisdiction of
Incorporation


   Our ownership interest
and voting power


          (%)
Shanghai Petrochemical Investment Development Company Limited    China    100
SPC Marketing Development Corporation    China    100
China Jinshan Associated Trading Corporation    China    80
Shanghai Jinhua Industrial Company Limited    China    81.46
Shanghai Jindong Petrochemical Industrial Company Limited    China    60
Shanghai Golden Way Petrochemical Company Limited    China    75
Shanghai Jinchang Engineering Plastics Company Limited    China    50.38
Shanghai Golden-Phillips Petrochemical Company Limited    China    60
Zhejiang Jin Yong Acrylic Fiber Company Limited    China    75
Shanghai Petrochemical Enterprise Development Company Limited    China    100
Shanghai Golden Conti Petrochemical Company Limited    China    100

 

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Table of Contents

Sinopec Corp

 

We are a member of a group (defined as a parent and all its subsidiaries) for purposes of the disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The parent company of this group is Sinopec Corp, our controlling shareholder. Sinopec Corp is operated by separate management and from time to time uses its interest as a shareholder to direct our policies and management. We have extracted the following information regarding Sinopec Corp from its public filings:

 

Overview

 

Sinopec Corp is an integrated petroleum and petrochemical company with upstream, midstream and downstream operations. Based on the turnover in 2003, Sinopec Corp is the largest listed company in China and one of the largest petroleum and petrochemical companies in both China and Asia. Sinopec Corp is one of the largest refiners, distributors and marketers of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and most other major refined products in China and Asia with principal markets in the eastern and southern regions of China. Sinopec Corp is also a producer and distributor of petrochemicals in China and additionally explores, develops and produces crude oil and natural gas principally to supply its refining and chemical operations.

 

Subsidiaries

 

Details of Sinopec Corp’s principal subsidiaries are given in the table below. Except for Sinopec Kantons Holdings Limited, which is incorporated in Bermuda, all of the above principal subsidiaries are incorporated in China.

 

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Table of Contents

Name of company


  Sinopec Corp’s
direct attributable
equity interest


 

Principal activities


    %    

Sinopec Beijing Yanhua Petrochemical Company Limited

  70.01   Manufacturing of chemical products

Sinopec Shengli Oilfield Company Limited

  100.00   Exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas

Sinopec Sales Company Limited

  100.00   Marketing and distribution of refined oil products

Sinopec International Company Limited

  100.00   Trading of crude oil and petrochemical products.

Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Company Limited

  55.56   Manufacturing of Synthetic fibers, resin and plastics, intermediate petrochemical products and petroleum products

Sinopec Yangzi Petrochemical Company Limited

  84.98   Manufacturing of intermediate petrochemical products and petroleum products

Sinopec Qilu Petrochemical Company Limited

  82.05   Manufacturing of intermediate petrochemical products and petroleum products

Sinopec Yizheng Chemical Fiber Company Limited

  42.00  

Production and sale of polyester chips

and polyester fibers

Sinopec Zhenhai Refining and Chemical Company Limited

  71.32  

Manufacturing of intermediate

petrochemical products and petroleum

products

Sinopec Wuhan Phoenix Company Limited

  40.72  

Manufacturing of intermediate

petrochemical products and petroleum

products

Sinopec Shijiazhuang Refinery Corp.

  79.73  

Manufacturing of intermediate

petrochemical products and petroleum

products

Sinopec Zhongyuan Petroleum Company Limited

  70.85  

Exploration and production of crude

oil and natural gas

Sinopec Wuhan Petroleum Group Company Limited

  46.25   Marketing and distribution of refined oil products

Sinopec Fujian Refinery Company Limited

  50.00   Manufacturing of intermediate petrochemical products and petroleum products

Sinopec Maoming Refining and Chemical Company Limited

  99.81   Manufacturing of intermediate petrochemical products and petroleum products

Sinopec Kantons Holdings Limited

  72.40  

Trading of crude oil and petroleum

products

 

D. Property, Plants and Equipment.

 

Real Property

 

Our corporate headquarters and production facilities, occupying an area of approximately 7.03 square kilometers, are located in Jinshanwei, approximately 75 kilometers from downtown Shanghai. The total gross floor area of all our production and other facilities is approximately 2 million square meters. We own all of the buildings and facilities located at the site. We have the right to use the land upon which our buildings and facilities are located for a term of 50 years beginning in 1993 without the payment of any rent or usage fees other than land use taxes. We also have the right to transfer our land use rights to third parties without any payment to the Chinese government, so long as the use of the land remains the same as when the land use right was granted to us and the terms of the land use right we received will be applicable to any transferee.

 

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Table of Contents

Plants and Facilities

 

The following charts set forth the Rated Capacities of our principal production units. The actual production capacity of a production unit can exceed Rated Capacity and may be further increased without increasing the Rated Capacity through technical improvements or expansion of the unit. The utilization rate of a production unit is based upon Rated Capacity rather than actual production capacity and may vary with technical enhancements, changes in production management and scheduling of maintenance.

 

The following table sets forth the Rated Capacities and weighted average utilization rates of our principal production units for petroleum products and intermediate petrochemicals in 2003:

 

Production Unit (number of units)


   Rated Capacity (tons)

   Utilization Rate(%)

Crude oil distillation units (2)

   8,800,000    90.66

Hydrocracker(2)

   3,000,000    76.85

Ethylene units (2)

   850,000    104.43

Aromatics unit

   235,000    90.55

PTA unit

   280,000    109.26

EO/EG unit

   225,000    88.32

Acrylonitrile unit

   130,000    94.93

Acetaldehyde unit

   42,000    105.37

Acetic acid unit

   45,000    55.95

Cracking and catalyzing

   1,000,000    98.61

Delayed Coling

   1,000,000    107.17

 

Our two crude oil distillation units were designed and built in China. In 2003, the actual amount of crude oil we processed was approximately 8.61 million tons. Our hydrocracker uses technology from United Oil Products Corporation of the United States. Our first ethylene unit uses technology from Mitsubishi Petrochemical Corporation of Japan. The second ethylene unit uses technology from ABB Lummus Global Inc. of the United States. The aromatics unit uses technology from Universal Oil Products Corporation of the United States. The PTA unit uses technology from Mitsui Petrochemical Corporation of Japan. The EO/EG unit was constructed using technology from Scientific Design Corporation of the United States.

 

The following table sets forth the Rated Capacities and weighted average utilization rates of our principal production units for resins and plastics and synthetic fibers in 2003:

 

Production Unit (number of units)


   Rated Capacity (tons)

   Utilization Rate(%)

Polyester units (2)

   400,000    108.67

Polyester staple units (2)

   155,600    92.54

Polyester filament units (4)

   66,900    92.39

Acrylic staple fiber units (3)

   189,000    108.87

Acrylic top units (1)

   29,500    114.32

Polyethylene units (3)

   543,000    104.45

Polyethylene film blowing facilities (2)

   42,000    60.01

PP units (3)

   400,000    109.13

PP staple fiber unit

   17,000    121.59

PVA unit

   86,000    109.36

 

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Our polyester units use technology from Kanebo Corporation of Japan and E.I. Dupont DeNemours & Co. Inc. (“Dupont”) of the United States. The polyester staple units use technology from Teijin of Japan and Jima of Germany as well as Chinese technology. The polyester filament units use technology from Murata Manufacturing Company Limited and Teijin Corporation of Japan, Barmag AG of Germany and Dupont. We produce polyethylene in three units, two LDPE units which use technology from Mitsubishi Petrochemical Corporation of Japan, West Germany BASF LDPE technology and one HDPE unit uses the Borstar bimodal polyethylene technology from Northern European Chemical Engineering Company.

 

The acrylic fiber units were built domestically, based on a design of equipment which had been imported into China in the 1960s and that we substantially improved. In 1996, we acquired two additional acrylic fiber units which use technology from the Kawasaki Corporation of Japan. We produce PP in three identical units using technology from Himont Corporation of the United States. The PP staple fiber unit employs technology from FARE Company of Italy. The PVA unit uses technology acquired from Kuraray Corporation of Japan.

 

Power Facilities

 

Our electricity requirements are currently supplied by our own 275 MW oil-fired power plant, 225 MW coal-fired power plant and 100 MW coal-fired power plant and petroleum coke power plant. These power plants are designed to supply power sufficient for all of our facilities. We are connected to the East China electricity grid system, which provides a back-up source of power in case of a shortfall in our power supply. Our power gap is currently made up by East China Power Network.

 

Other Facilities

 

We also have facilities to produce industrial water, steam, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen which we use in our production facilities.

 

Maintenance

 

We conduct a regular maintenance program on all production equipment. Maintenance is performed by Sinopec Group, as the successor to Sinopec, under a services agreement we signed with Sinopec in March 1998. In addition, we employ approximately 4,010 engineers, technicians and other personnel who are employed by the various production units to perform day-to-day maintenance and repair.

 

Transportation-Related Fixtures

 

Crude oil, our principal raw material, is transported by pipeline to the coast and then by oil tanker to the oil terminal wharf at Chenshan. Our products leave the factory by water, rail, road and pipeline. In 2003, approximately 68% of our products by sales volume were collected by customers from our premises, and we delivered the balance. Our major ethylene customer is supplied via a pipeline. Some of the products collected by customers were also transported using our facilities.

 

Wharfs

 

We own two chemical wharfs at Jinshan with four berths of 3,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 25,000 tons. We also own a connecting pipeline capable of loading up to approximately 1.4 million tons of chemical products annually onto ocean-going barges and ships. In 2003, products representing 52% of total sales volume were shipped from the wharf. We also have a facility to load ships and barges which use the region’s inland waterways. In 2003, products representing 14% of total sales volume were shipped from these facilities. We believes that we have a competitive advantage because a greater

 

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proportion of our products are shipped by water as opposed to rail and truck. Additionally, we own facilities for receiving crude oil and coal at docks that we own and transporting such materials by pipeline or conveyor to our production facilities.

 

We own an oil terminal wharf at Chenshan, Zhapu, Pinghu County, Zhejiang Province, which is comprised of two berths, each of which is capable of handling 45,000 ton vessels. Two 25 kilometer pipelines connect this oil terminal wharf with our facilities.

 

Rail

 

We own a railroad loading depot with an annual capacity of 500,000 tons. The depot provides access via a spur line to the national Chinese railway system. In 2003, products representing 3% of total sales volume were transported from the factory by rail. Our ability to transport products by rail is limited because of China’s overburdened railway system, the use of which remains strictly controlled and allocated by the Chinese government.

 

Capital Expansion Program

 

Our principal capital expansion projects for the near term are summarized in the table and further described below. In aggregate, we expect that total investment in the projects described will be approximately RMB1.9 billion (US$ 229.6 million) in 2004. This amount will be funded internally and by bank loans. In 2001, 2002 and 2003 we invested RMB4,358.18 million (US$ 526.5 million), RMB 2,404 million (US$ 290.4 million), and RMB 1,284.9 million ( US$ 155.2 million) respectively, in capital expansion projects.

 

Name of Project


  

Existing Rated

Capacity

(tons/year)


  

Added Rated

Capacity

(tons/year)


 

Percent

Increase

(%)


  

Expected

Completion

Date


   Status

REFINING CAPACITY EXPANSION

                       

No. 1 Distillation Unit Relocation and Renovation

   2,800,000    5,200,000   185    2005    Under construction

EXPANSION OF NEW AND EXISTING DOWNSTREAM PRODUCTION FACILITIES

                       

380,000-ton EG Unit

   N/A    380,000   N/A    2005    Preliminary
development

No. 1 Polyester Unit Technical Renovation

   N/A    150,000   N/A    2005    Under construction

12,000-ton/year Terylene Industrial Filament Expansion Project

   N/A    12,000   N/A    2004    Construction
approved

400,000-ton/year PTA Unit Renovation

   280,000    120,000   42    2004, 2005    Construction
approved

OTHER PROJECTS

                       

200MW Power Plant Expansion

   325MW    2nd phase 100 MW   30    2005    Preliminary
development

Acrylonitrile Unit Renovation

   60,000    70,000   116    2003    Completed

Flue Gas Desulphurization (“FGD”)

   N/A    N/A   N/A    2005    Preliminary
development

Material transportation line between us and Secco

   N/A    N/A   N/A    2004    Preliminary
development

N/A – not applicable.

 

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Table of Contents

Refining Capacity Expansion Plans

 

To meet the requirements of the planned ethylene expansion and to increase our capability to meet demand for higher-margin petroleum products, we are expanding and renovating our oil refining facilities. The principal projects are:

 

  Renovating our existing No. 1 atmosphere and vacuum distillation facility to increase the facility’s Rated Capacity from 2.8 million tons to 8.0 million tons. This renovation was commenced in 2003 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2004.

 

The completion of the project will enable us to meet the production capacity for feedstock needed for ethylene expansion and to increase overall production volume of petroleum products.

 

Expansion of New and Existing Downstream Petrochemical Products

 

As a fully integrated petrochemical complex, we produce a wide range of intermediate and downstream petrochemical products. We plan to further increase our production of higher-margin products by (i) adjusting our product mix, (ii) further processing existing products into higher-margin downstream products and (iii) adding new production capacity for higher-margin downstream products.

 

To increase production capacity for higher-margin products we:

 

  will implement technical renovations on our No. 1 polyester unit to expand its production capacity, which is expected to be completed in 2004. At the same time, we will implement the 12,000-ton/year Terylene Industrial Long Fiber Expansion Project and increase the output of higher-margin synthetic fibers, which is expected to be completed in 2005. To meet the demand for feedstock of downstream polyester, we will implement renovations on the 400,000-ton/year PTA unit, which is expected to be completed in several phases in 2004 and 2005.

 

Other Projects

 

In order to adjust our capital expansion projects, the development of a crude oil pier and depot on Cezi Island at Zhoushan, near Shanghai has been acquired by Sinopec Corp. Furthermore, the first phase of our 200MW coal-fired power plant expansion has been completed and commence operation in the end of 2002. We plan to continue the construction of the second phase in our 100MW coal-fired power plant, which is expected to be completed and begin production before June 2006. To control and reduce the volume of sulphur dioxide emission to protect the environment, we plan to implement an FGD project with a capacity of 1 million cubic meter of flue gas per hour.

 

In addition to the foregoing projects, ongoing technological improvements and other small scale capital expansion projects, we are exploring expansion opportunities through acquisitions and other business combinations. We believe that acquisitions will become an increasingly important component of our expansion strategy.

 

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Table of Contents

ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS.

 

A. Operating Results.

 

General

 

Our financial performance has been affected by factors arising from operating in a planned economy which are beyond our control. However, with China’s WTO accession, the impact of these factors has gradually been decreasing.

 

In 2003, the world economy has gradually recovered from a recession. Although affected by the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, China’s economy continued to grow rapidly in 2003. Due to the rise in crude oil prices and increase in demand resulting from the general growth of the economy, both the prices and sales volumes of most of our major products increased significantly in 2003 compared with 2002. In addition, we continued to optimize our production and operation system, which resulted in an increase in the production and sales volumes of our major products and a decrease in the production costs of certain products. As a result, our performance in 2003 improved significantly as compared with 2002.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We based our assumptions and estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about matters that are not readily apparent from other sources. On an on-going basis, our management evaluates its estimates. Actual results may differ from those estimates as facts, circumstances and conditions change.

 

Our principal accounting policies are set forth in note 2 to our consolidated financial statements. The selection of critical accounting policies, the judgments and other uncertainties affecting application of those policies and the sensitivity of reported results to changes in conditions and assumptions are factors to be considered when reviewing our financial statements. To enhance our readers’ understanding in our business activities, we have identified critical accounting policies. We believe the following critical accounting policies involve the most significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements.

 

Impairments

 

If circumstances indicate that the net book value of an asset or an investment may not be recoverable, the asset may be considered “impaired,” and an impairment loss may be recognized in accordance with IAS 36 “Impairment of Assets.” We review the carrying amounts of long-lived assets periodically in order to assess whether the recoverable amounts have declined below the carrying amounts. We test these assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their recorded carrying amounts may not be recoverable. When such a decline has occurred, the carrying amount is reduced to the estimated recoverable amount. The amount of impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount of the asset before the reduction and the estimated recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the greater of the estimated net selling price and the value in use. It is difficult to precisely estimate selling prices because quoted market prices for our assets are often not readily available. In determining the value in use, we discount cash flows that we expect the asset to generate to their present value. Determining cash flows that we expect an asset to generate requires significant judgment relating to the expected level of sales volume, selling prices and the amount of operating costs.

 

Depreciation

 

Property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, after taking into account their estimated residual value. We review the estimated useful lives of the assets regularly in order to determine the amount of depreciation expense to be recorded during any reporting period. The useful lives are based on our historical experience with similar assets and taking into account anticipated technological changes. The depreciation expense for future periods is adjusted if there are significant changes form previous estimates.

 

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Provision for Doubtful Debts

 

We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make the required payments. Our provisioning is based on the aging of the trade debtor balance, customer credit-worthiness, and historical write-off experience. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, actual write-offs might be higher than expected.

 

Summary

 

The following table sets forth our sales volumes and net sales, net of sales taxes, for the years indicated, presented in accordance with IFRS:

 

     Years ended December 31,

     2001

   2002

   2003

     Net Sales

   Net Sales

   Net Sales

    

Sales Volume

(‘000 Tons)


   (Millions
of RMB)


   % of
Total


  

Sales Volume

(‘000 Tons)


   (Millions
of RMB)


   % of
Total


  

Sales Volume

(‘000 Tons)


   (Millions
of RMB)


   % of
Total


Synthetic Fibers

   358.4    3,215.8    16.4    363.5    3,374.3    15.5    395.4    4,092.6    14.1

Resins and Plastics

   917.6    5,635.7    28.7    1,146.8    6,440.7    29.6    1,389.8    8,864.3    30.6

Intermediate Petrochemicals

   653.4    2,105.3    10.8    786.3    2,555.0    11.8    1,021.8    3,851.3    13.3

Petroleum Products

   3,958.1    7,735.2    39.4    4,100.4    7,991.2    36.8    4,650.4    10,329.1    35.7

Trading and Others

   —      925.8    4.7    —      1,361.8    6.3    —      1,805.2    6.3
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Total

   5,887.5    19,617.8    100.0    6,396.8    21,723.0    100.0    7,457.4    28,942.5    100.0
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

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The following table sets forth a summary statement of income for the periods indicated:

 

     Years ended December 31,

 
     2001

    2002

    2003

 
     Millions of
RMB


    % of Net
Sales


    Millions of
RMB


    % of Net
Sales


    Millions of
RMB


    % of Net
Sales


 

Net sales

   19,617.7     100     21,722.9     100.0     28,942.7     100.0  

Cost of sales

   (18,803.0 )   (95.8 )   (19,853.9 )   (91.4 )   (26,396.2 )   (91.2 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

   814.7     4.2     1,869.0     8.6     2,546.5     8.8  

Selling and administrative expenses

   (363.2 )   (1.9 )   (421.2 )   (1.9 )   (444.7 )   (1.5 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

   451.5     2.3     1,447.8     6.7     2,101.8     7.3  

Other operating income

   160.0     0.8     136.6     0.6     121.1     0.4  

Other operating expenses

   (217.3 )   (1.1 )   (154.8 )   (0.7 )   (216.5 )   (0.7 )

Share of (losses)/profits of associates

   (20.6 )   (0.1 )   16.1     0.1     (24.0 )   (0.1 )

Net financing costs

   (227.8 )   (1.2 )   (400.7 )   (1.9 )   (392.0 )   (1.4 )

Income before tax

   145.8     0.7     1,045.0     4.8     1,590.4     5.5  

Income tax

   (1.2 )   (0.0 )   (84.5 )   (0.4 )   (145.1 )   (0.5 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

Income after tax

   144.6     0.7     960.5     4.4     1,445.3     5.0  

Minority interests

   (28.6 )   (0.1 )   (44.2 )   (0.2 )   (43.6 )   (0.2 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

   116.0     0.6     16.3     4.2     1,401.7     4.8  
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

Results of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2002

 

Net sales

 

Net sales increased by 33.2% to RMB28,942.7 million in 2003 from RMB21,722.9 million in 2002. This increase was primarily attributable to the increase in both price and sales volume of most of our major products resulting from the rise in crude oil price and increase in market demand. The net sales of synthetic fibers, resins and plastics, intermediate petrochemicals and petroleum products for 2003 increased by 21.3%, 37.6%, 50.7% and 29.3% respectively as compared with 2002.

 

i) Synthetic fibers

 

Net sales of synthetic fibers increased by 21.3% to RMB4,092.6 million in 2003 from RMB3,374.3 million in 2002, due to a 11.5% increase in their weighted average price and a 8.8% increase in their sales volume. Sales of synthetic fibers as a portion of total sales decreased from 15.5% in 2002 to 14.1% in 2003 primarily because the increase in sales volume of synthetic fibers was less than

 

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the increase in sales volume of resins and plastics and intermediate petrochemicals. There was a significant increase in the production capacity of resins and plastics and intermediate petrochemicals as a result of the fourth phase of our production capacity expansion program, or the Phase IV Project, being completed in 2002 and achieving full production capacity in 2003.

 

ii) Resins and plastics

 

Net sales of resins and plastics increased by 37.6% to RMB8,864.3 from RMB6,440.7 million in 2002, attributable to an increase of 13.6% in weighted average price and 21.2% in sales volume. Sales of resins and plastics as a portion of total sales slightly increased from 29.6% in 2002 to 30.6% in 2003 primarily because the increase in sales volume of resins and plastics was larger than the increase in sales volume of synthetic fibers and petroleum products. There was a significant increase in the production capacity of resins and plastics as a result of the Phase IV Project being completed in 2002 and achieving full production capacity in 2003.

 

iii) Intermediate petrochemicals

 

Net sales of intermediate petrochemicals increased by 50.7% to RMB3,851.3 million in 2003 from RMB2,555.0 million in 2002, due to an increase of 16.0% in weighted average price and 30.0% in sales volume. Sales of products in this segment as a portion of total sales increased from 11.8% in 2002 to 13.3% in 2003 primarily because the increase in sales volume of intermediate petrochemicals was larger than the increase in sales volume of synthetic fibers and petroleum products. There was a significant increase in the production capacity of intermediate petrochemicals as a result of the Phase IV Projects being completed in 2002 and achieving full production capacity in 2003.

 

iv) Petroleum products

 

Net sales of petroleum products increased by 29.3% to RMB10,329.1 million in 2003 from RMB7,991.2 million in 2002, due to an increase of 14.0% in weighted average price and 13.4% in sales volume. Sales of products in this segment as a proportion of total sales decreased slightly from 36.8% in 2002 to 35.7% in 2003 primarily because increase in sales volume of petroleum products was less than the increase in sales volume of resins and plastics and intermediate petrochemicals. There was a significant increase in the production capacity of resins and plastics and intermediate petrochemicals as a result of the Phase IV Projects being completed in 2002 and achieving full production capacity in 2003.

 

v) Trading and other activities

 

Revenues from trading and other activities increased by 32.6% from RMB1,361.8 million in 2002 to RMB1,805.3 million in 2003 primarily due to an increase in trading revenues of ethylene glycol from RMB451.9 million in 2002 to RMB999.8 million in 2003.

 

Our operating profit margin (the result of profit from operations divided by turnover) was 6.8% and 6.4% in 2003 and 2002, respectively. The increase of our operating profit margin in 2003 was primarily due to an increase in the net sales of our chemical and plastics products which are of a higher profit margin compared to our other products.

 

Cost of sales

 

Cost of sales increased by 33.0% from RMB19,853.9 million in 2002 to RMB26,396.2 million in 2003, primarily due to a significant increase in the sales volume of most of our major products. Cost of sales as a proportion of net sales slightly decreased from 91.4% in 2002 to 91.2% in 2003.

 

i) Crude oil

 

Processed crude oil volumes increased by 15.9% from 7.43 million tons in 2002 to 8.61 million tons in 2003. The weighted average cost of crude oil used to produce our own products per ton increased by 19.6% from RMB1,540.7 in 2002 to RMB1,843.2 in 2003. Total costs of crude oil used to produce our own products increased by 37.8% from RMB11,444.8 million in 2002 to RMB15,764.9 in 2003, accounting for 59.7% of the total costs of sales in 2003.

 

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Due to the shortage of supply in domestic onshore crude oil, we have continuously increased our usage of imported crude oil to leverage the advantage of our coastal location. In 2003, we processed 6.71 million tons, 0.48 million tons, 0.04 million tons and 1.38 million tons, respectively, of imported crude oil, domestic offshore oil, domestic onshore oil from Daqing oilfield and domestic onshore oil from Shengli oilfield, at which the average processing costs are RMB1,876 per ton, RMB1,793 per ton, RMB1,744 per ton and RMB1,703 per ton, respectively.

 

ii) Other expenses

 

Expenses for other ancillary materials increased by 28.3% from RMB3,071.6 million in 2002 to RMB3,939.4 million in 2003. Depreciation increased by 16.7% from RMB1,585.8 million in 2002 to RMB1,850.0 million in 2003. The increase of depreciation was primarily due to an increase in amount of fixed assets resulting from completion of certain capital expenditure projects including, among others, Phase IV Projects.

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

Selling and administrative expenses increased by 5.6% from RMB421.2 million in 2002 to RMB444.7 million in 2003 primarily due to an increase in transportation costs as a result of the increase in the sales volume of our major products in 2003.

 

Operating profit

 

Operating profit increased by 45.2% from RMB1,447.8 million in 2002 to RMB2,101.8 million in 2003 because net sales increased to a larger extent than cost of sales and selling and administrative expenses.

 

Other operating income

 

Other operating income decreased to RMB121.1 million in 2003 from RMB136.6 million in 2002.

 

Other operating expenses

 

Other operating expenses increased by 39.8% from RMB154.8 million in 2002 to RMB216.4 million in 2003 primarily due to the employee reduction expenses of RMB64.1 million incurred in 2003.

 

Net financing costs

 

Net financing costs slightly decreased from RMB400.7 million in 2002 to RMB 392.0 million in 2003 primarily due to lower interest expenses resulting from an increase in the foreign currency borrowings which generally bear a lower interest rate than Renminbi borrowings. The decrease was effectively offset by an increase in interest expenses resulting from the cessation of capitalization of interest expenses incurred for the financing of Phase IV Projects.

 

Profit before tax

 

Profit before tax increased by 52.2% from RMB1,045.0 million in 2002 to RMB1,590.4 in 2003 primarily because increase in operating profit more than offset decrease in other operating income and increase in other operating expenses.

 

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Income tax

 

Income tax increased by 71.7% to RMB145.1 million in 2003 from RMB84.5 million in 2002. This increase was primarily due to a substantial increase in profit before tax. We continued to pay income tax at a preferential rate of 15% in 2003. This preferential rate was first applied to us under approval from Chinese tax authorities effective from January 1, 1993. According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation, the first nine H-Share listed companies (including the Company) were permitted to pay income tax at a 15% tax rate for years in 1996 and 1997. In 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003, the tax privilege was not revoked by the relevant government authorities. However, we cannot be sure whether the Ministry of Finance will maintain the 15% tax rate in 2004. During the year, we received a tax refund of RMB 92.2 million (2002: RMB 66.4 million) in respect of purchase of domestically manufactured equipment for technological improvement which partially offset the increase in income tax.

 

Profit after tax

 

Profit after tax increased by 50.5% from RMB960.5 million in 2002 to RMB1,445.3 million in 2003 primarily due to a significant increase in profit before tax.

 

Year Ended December 31, 2002 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2001

 

Net sales

 

Net sales increased by 10.73% to RMB21,723 million in 2002 compared with RMB19,618 million in 2001. In 2002, the prices of most petrochemicals bottomed out and prices began to increase again with the recovery of the petrochemical industry while the production volumes and sales of our primary products grew by a great margin with the completion and commissioning of our Phase IV capital expansion project. The sales of synthetic fibers, resins and plastics, intermediate petrochemicals and petroleum products for 2002 increased by 1.40%, 24.84%, 20.37% and 3.59% respectively as compared with 2001.

 

i) Synthetic fibers

 

Net sales of synthetic fibers increased by 4.93% to RMB3,374.3 million in 2002 from RMB3,215.8 million in 2001, primarily due to a 3.47% and 1.4% increase, respectively, in their weighted average prices and sales volumes. Of synthetic fibers, the sales volume of polyester products increased at a great ratio due to capacity expansion in the polyester plant. Compared with 2001, our sales of acrylic fibers and staples experienced increases respectively of 23.89% and 29.25%. However, the sales of polyester staples and POY filaments declined by 2.19% and 36.12%, respectively.

 

In 2002, the proportion of synthetic fibers in the total sales decreased to 15.53%, or 0.86% less than 2001 as a result of production suspension and market conditions.

 

ii) Resins and plastics

 

Net sales of resins and plastics increased by 14.28% to RMB6,440.7 million against 2001. Its proportion of total sales slightly increased to 29.65%, or a 0.92% increase compared with 2001. This is primarily attributable to the completion and commissioning of such projects as our polyester resin plant renovation, the new 250,000-ton polyethylene plant and the 200,000-ton polypropylene plant. As a result, the total sales volumes of resins and plastics increased by 24.84%, and despite the weighted average price decreasing by 8.56%, sales increased . In 2002, sales volumes of resin chips, polyethylene and

 

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polypropylene grew, respectively, by 18.96%, 32.31% and 49.31%, with the average sales prices of resin chips and polypropylene increasing, respectively, by 5.73% and 0.78% and the same for PVA, polyethylene and polyethylene film decreasing by 18.92%, 11.38% and 13.09%, respectively.

 

iii) Intermediate petrochemicals

 

Net sales of intermediate petrochemicals increased by 21.37% to RMB2,555 million from RMB2,105.3 million in 2001, or 11.76% of total sales. The weighted average price increased slightly by 0.84%, and the sales volume grew by 20.33% against the previous year due to the completion and commissioning of the ethylene expansion and MEG renovation projects. Among intermediate petrochemicals, the average selling prices of ethylene, and MEG decreased, respectively, by 10.49% and 12.31% while the same for benzene and butadiene increased by 21.68% and 27.30%, respectively. The sales volumes of these products increased by 35.18%, 274.22%, 15.31%and 46.39% compared with 2001.

 

iv) Petroleum products

 

Net sales of petroleum products slightly increased by 3.31% to RMB7,991.2 million as compared with 2001. This was primarily the result of greater sales volume. Compared with 2001, the sales volume of petroleum products increased by 3.59%. The sales volumes for our gasoline, diesel and jet oil increased by 9.19%, 2.12% and 72.57%, respectively, compared to 2001 while the weighted average price of petroleum products slightly increased as compared to 2001.

 

In 2002, petroleum products accounted for 36.79% of our net sales, representing a 2.64% decline as compared to 2001.

 

v) Trading and other activities

 

Revenues from trading and other activities increased by 47.10% to RMB1,361.8 million.

 

Cost of sales

 

Cost of sales increased by 5.59% to RMB19,853.9 million, or 91.40% of net sales in 2002, which represents a slight improvement from 2001. This was primarily due to our further strengthening the operation and administration of our production facilities and stringent controls over materials, energy consumption and purchase prices in the process, in line with our production capacity expansion. Thereby, the unit production and sales costs was effectively lowered.

 

i) Crude oil

 

In 2002, we processed 7,428,400 tons of crude oil, representing an increase of 796,300 tons from 2001. The weighted average cost of crude oil per ton decreased by 6.83% to RMB1,540.67 in 2002. Total crude oil costs increased by 4.33% to RMB11,444.8 million in 2002, accounting for 57.64% of the total costs of sales.

 

The supply and price of crude oil are key factors in determining our profitability. From March 2001, the base price of local crude oil has been determined by Sinopec Group and CNPC based on principles and approaches mandated by the State Planning Commission, incorporating the prices prevailing on the international market. We purchase imported and local offshore oils at the crude oil prices of the international market. In general, local crude oil pricing is consistent with that of the international market. In 2002, we processed 5,201,400 tons, 672,800 tons, 179,000 tons and 1,375,200 tons, respectively, of imported crude oil, local offshore oil, Daqing oil and Shengli oil, of which the average processing costs are RMB1,588 per ton, RMB1,537 per ton, RMB1,340 per ton and RMB1,390 per ton, respectively.

 

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ii) Other expenses

 

In 2002, expenses for other ancillary materials increased to RMB3,071.6 million, representing a 27.27% increase against the previous year. Depreciation costs increased from RMB1,359.6 million in 2001 to RMB1,585.8 million in 2002. This was primarily due to increased depreciation costs attributable to more fixed assets resulting from completion of certain capital expenditure projects including, among others, parts of the Phase IV Project in 2002.

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

Selling and administrative expenses increased from RMB363.2 million in 2001 to RMB421.2 million in 2002 resulting from an increase of marketing activities and the subsequent increase in our product sales volumes.

 

Operating profit

 

Operating profit increased dramatically by 220.67% from RMB451.5 million in 2001 to RMB1,447.8 million in 2002. This dramatic increase primarily resulted from the growth of sales of key products and decrease of unit sales costs during the year.

 

Other operating income

 

Other operating income amounted to RMB136.6 million, representing a 14.62% decrease against 2001.

 

Other operating expenses

 

Other operating expenses decreased by 28.76% from RMB217.3 million in 2001 to RMB154.8 million in 2002.

 

Net financing costs

 

Net financing costs rose from RMB227.8 million in 2001 to RMB400.7 million in 2002. This was mainly because upon the completion of construction projects, the Company ceased the capitalization of interest expenses arisen from the use of long term loan facilities from banks to finance the capital expenditure projects, which were then charged to current year’s finance costs.

 

Profit before tax

 

Profit before tax increased by 616.78% from RMB145.8 million in 2001 to RMB1,045.0 million in 2002.

 

Income tax

 

Income tax in 2002 was RMB84.5 million (2001: RMB1.16 million). This increase is primarily due to a substantial increase in profit. We continue to pay income tax at a preferential rate of 15%. This preferential rate was first applied to the Company under approval from Chinese tax authorities effective from 1 January 1993. According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Finance and the State Taxation Bureau, the first nine H-Share listed companies (including the Company) were permitted to pay income

 

40


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tax at a 15% tax rate for years in 1996 and 1997. In 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002, the tax privilege was not revoked by the relevant government authorities. However, we cannot be sure whether the Ministry of Finance will maintain the 15% tax rate in 2003. In accordance with relevant national policies, during the year we received tax refunds in respect of purchases of state-owned assets for technological improvement of RMB66.4 million (2001: RMB19.3 million).

 

Profit after tax

 

Profit after tax increased by 564.09% from RMB144.6 million in 2001 to RMB960.5 million in 2002.

 

B. Liquidity and Capital Resources.

 

Our primary sources of capital are operating cash flow and loans from unaffiliated banks. Our primary uses of capital are costs of goods sold, operating expenses and capital expenditures.

 

Working capital

 

As at December 31, 2003, our working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) deficit was RMB 457.6 million, an increase from RMB100.2 million in 2002. This increase in the deficit was attributable to our increased needs to finance working capital as a result of the growth of production. Although we need to pay close attention to our working capital and liquidity position, we do review it on a regular basis and have always been able to satisfy our short-term obligations through the refinancing of indebtedness and other measures. As of December 31, 2003, we had cash and cash equivalent of RMB1,840.4 million and total bank loans of RMB8,651.6 million. With our refinancing capability and cash generated from our operations, we believe that we have more than sufficient resources to meet our foreseeable working capital needs.

 

Cash flows provided from operating activities

 

Cash flow provided from operating activities increased by RMB478.7 million to RMB2,277.0 million in 2003 from 1,798.3 million in 2002. This increase in cash flow was primarily attributable to the following factors:

 

i) Profit before tax net of depreciation was RMB3,440.4 million in 2003 as compared with RMB2,630.8 million in 2002, which resulted in an increase in cash flow by RMB809.6 million.

 

ii) Increase in inventories led to a decrease in operating cash flow by RMB120.6 million in 2003 as compared with RMB503.8 million in 2002, due to the increase of the purchase costs of our stocked crude oil as compared between the end and the beginning of 2003 being less than the respective increase in 2002, which resulted in an increase in cash flow by RMB383.2 million.

 

iii) Increase in debtors, bills receivable and deposits led to a decrease in operating cash flow by RMB346.0 million in 2003 as compared with an increase in operating cash flow of RMB80.8 million in 2002 due to sales of more products in 2003, which resulted in a reduction of cash flow by RMB426.8 million.

 

iv) Decrease in trade creditors, other creditors and bills payable led to a decrease in operating cash flow by RMB478.8 million in 2003 as compared with RMB200.3 million in 2002 due to our payment of more payables in 2003, which resulted in a reduction in cash flow by RMB278.5 million.

 

v) Decrease in balances with parent companies and fellow subsidiaries led to a decrease in operating cash flow by RMB199.5 million in 2003 as compared with RMB 96.1 million in 2002, which resulted in a reduction in cash flow by RMB103.4 million.

 

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Net cash used in investing activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities decreased by RMB999.2 million to RMB1,578.6 million in 2003 from RMB2,577.8 million in 2002 primarily due to a decrease of RMB1,119.4 million in capital expenditure as a result of the completion of most of the construction for the Phase IV project in 2002.

 

Cash flows (used in)/provided from financing activities

 

Cash flow used in financing activities was RMB518.7 in 2003 compared with a RMB988.1 million cash flow provided from financing activities in 2002. This change was primarily attributable to the increase in repayment of loans by RMB1,067.4 million and the payment of a dividend amounting RMB360 million in 2003.

 

Borrowings

 

Our borrowings as at December 31, 2003 increased by RMB188.4 million to RMB8,781.6 million from RMB8,593.2 million as at December 31, 2002. Short-term borrowings increased by RMB1,572.4 million to RMB5,574.7 million from RMB4,002.3 million in 2002 due to our increased demands for working capital as a result of the growth of production. Short-term loans were all at floating rates and denominated in Renminbi and United States Dollar. Long-term borrowings decreased by RMB1,384.1 million to RMB3,206.8 million in 2003 from RMB4,590.9 million in 2002 due to our reduced financing needs for capital expenditure after the completion of Phase IV Projects and other major capital expansion projects. Long term borrowings were fixed-rate loans in United States Dollar or Japanese Yen and floating-rate loans denominated in United States Dollar or Renminbi.

 

We managed to maintain our asset-liability ratio at what we consider to be a safe level by enhancing control over both liabilities, including bank borrowings, and financing risks through our treasury department. We generally do not experience any seasonality in borrowings. Rather, due to the planned nature of capital expenditures, long-term borrowings can be arranged comfortably in advance of expenditures while short-term borrowings are used to meet operational needs. The terms of our existing bank loans do not restrict our ability to pay dividends on our shares.

 

Debt-equity ratio

 

Our debt-equity ratio was 17.6% in 2003 compared to 24.7% in 2002. The ratio is computed by long-term borrowings divided by the sum of long-term borrowings and shareholders’ equity.

 

C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.

 

We maintain a range of technology development units, including Petrochemical Research Institute, Fiber Research Institute and Technology Development Company, for research and development with respect to new technology, new products, production processes and equipment, downstream processing of petrochemical products, oil refining, chemical machinery, chemical technology, catalysts and environmental protection. Our research and development expenditures were RMB40.8 million in 2001, RMB84.0 million in 2002, and RMB101.2 million in 2003 representing approximately 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.3% of our total sales, respectively, in those years.

 

We are not, in any material aspect, dependent on any patents, licenses, industrial, commercial or financial contracts or new production processes.

 

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D. Trend Information

 

We believe that the ongoing global as well as domestic economic growth is set to provide the petrochemical industry with sound opportunities. According to the trends of the petrochemical market, there is little concern for oversupply as we are not aware of any major new facilities that will be commissioned in 2004 in China, Asia or globally. The positive economic environment is expected to provide a stimulus for rapid growth in the demand for petrochemical products. Prices of major chemical products are generally rising, in tandem with the growth cycle of the petrochemical market. However, prices of domestic petrochemical products will also be subject to increased uncertainties and risks, such as the abolition of import quota for petroleum products for state-owned trading companies, continuous import tax reductions for certain types of petrochemical products and changes in state policies regarding export rebates that affect petroleum products. As for market competition, major international players are gearing up their moves to tap the Chinese market amid industry restructuring on a global basis. Apart from posing direct competition against us in petroleum and petrochemical products, these international companies are characterized by large-scale investments across different sectors, full vertical integration and streamlined organization. Domestic companies are expected to face intense competition from their international counterparts as the China market becomes increasingly internationalized. In terms of the Company’s production operation, the Company’s production capacity will remain by and large the same, but the completion and operation of the Ningbo-Shanghai-nanjing oil pipe will bring about fundamental changes in the crude oil supply for the Company and lower transportation costs.

 

E. Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of December 31, 2003, our contingent liabilities amounted to RMB 129.1 million in respect of guarantees issued to banks in favor of our associated companies and other unlisted investments while such contingent liabilities as of December 31, 2002 was RMB345.3 million. Our guarantees issued to banks in favor of our associated companies, other unlisted investments companies and consolidating subsidiaries are limited to the respective share in equity interest held by us. Please refer to Note 23 to our consolidated financial statements for the detailed information of our guarantees and capital commitments.

 

F. Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

 

The following table sets forth our obligations to make future payments under contracts and under contingent commitments effective as of December 31, 2003.

 

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As of December 31, 2003

Payment due by period


    

Total

(RMB’000)


  

Less than 1 year

(RMB’000)


  

1-3 years

(RMB’000)


  

4-5 years

(RMB’000)


  

After 5 years

(RMB’000)


Contractual obligations (1)                         

Short-term debt

   4,575,588    4,575,588    —      —      —  

Long-term debt

   4,205,989    999,141    3,057,746    93,102    56,000
    
  
  
  
  

Total contractual obligations

   8,781,577    5,574,729    3,057,746    93,102    56,000
    
  
  
  
  
Other commercial commitments(2)                         

Capital commitment

   3,073,536    3,073,536    —      —      —  
    
  
  
  
  
Total commercial commitments    3,073,536    3,073,536    —      —      —  
    
  
  
  
  

(1) Contractual obligations represent on-balance sheet contractual liabilities as of the balance sheet date.
(2) Other commercial commitments represent potential cash outflows (as of the balance sheet date) which may result from contingent events.

 

G. Other Information

 

Employees

 

As at December 31, 2003, the number of our employees was 31,008.

 

Our staff costs for the year was RMB1,091 million.

 

Foreign Exchange Risks

 

Since we import our major raw materials (crude oil) mainly through Sinopec Corp, and also export a portion of our petroleum products through Sinopec Corp, a change in exchange rates will indirectly affect the prices of our raw materials and products which will have a discernible impact on our profitability. In addition, as discussed above, since a small part of our debts are denominated in foreign currencies, a change in the relevant exchange rates will affect the level of our financial expense which will also have an impact on our profitability.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

In 2003, our capital expenditures amounted to RMB1,284.9 million, representing a decrease of RMB1,119.4 million from RMB2,404.3 million in 2002. Our capital expenditure in 2001 was RMB4,358.2 million. The expenditures in 2003 were for projects including, among others, renovation of the processing equipment for crude oil with the high sulfur-content crude oil processing unit and acrylonitrile expansion project.

 

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Project


   Amount

   Progress

     RMB’000     

High sulphur-content crude oil processing unit

   736,000    Completed

Acrylonitrile Expansion Project

   325,000    Completed
    
    

Total

   1,061,000     
    
    

 

The estimated capital expenditure for 2004 is RMB1,900 million for the renovation of No. 1 atmosphere and vacuum distillation facility, expansion of rated capacity of PTA facility to 400,000 ton, 380,000 ton per year glycol project and other technological renovation projects.

 

Ethylene Joint Venture

 

Late in 2001, we established Secco, a Sino-foreign equity joint venture together with BP and Sinopec Corp. We own 20%, while BP and Sinopec Corp own 50% and 30%, of the equity interest of Secco, respectively. Secco was established to build and operate a 900,000 tons rated capacity ethylene manufacturing facility, to manufacture and market certain petrochemical products and their by-products, to provide related after-sales services and technical consultation with respect to such petrochemical products and by-products, and to engage in development of polymers application. Secco is expected to complete its construction in 2005. Secco’s total registered capital is US$901,440,964, of which we will provide the Renminbi equivalent amount of US$180,287,952. As of December 31, 2003, we paid approximately RMB637.7 million of the above sum. All of our contribution will be made before construction is completed in 2005.

 

We plan to fund our capital expenditures from operating cash flows and available bank loans.

 

Purchase, Sale and Investment

 

Except as disclosed in this report, during the year 2003, there was no material purchase or sale of our subsidiaries or associated companies or any other material investments.

 

Pledge of Assets

 

As of December 31, 2003, the net book value of our pledged fixed asses was RMB414.3million.

 

U.S. GAAP Reconciliation

 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS. IFRS vary in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Item 18. Financial Statements - Consolidated Financial Statements - Note 28. As a result of these differences and the effect after tax, our net income reported under U.S. GAAP was higher than net income reported under IFRS by RMB166.7 million in 2003, RMB208.3 million in 2002 and RMB184.1 million in 2001. Shareholders’ equity reported under U.S. GAAP was lower than shareholders’ equity reported under IFRS by RMB110.2 million as of December 31, 2003 and RMB277.0 million as of December 31, 2002.

 

ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES.

 

A. Directors and Senior Management.

 

The following table sets forth certain information concerning our directors, executive officers and members of our supervisory committee (“Supervisory Committee”). Except for Chen Xinyuan and Zhou Yunnong, who were elected on June 18, 2003, all were elected on June 18, 2002. Each will serve a term of three years or until the election of their respective successors.

 

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Name


   Age

  

Position


Directors

         

Lu Yiping

   58    Chairman of the Board of Directors

Xu Kaicheng

   47    Director

Rong Guangdao

   48    President; Director

Feng Jianping

   50    Vice President; Director

Jiang Baoxing

   58    Director

Li Weichang

   50    Director

Liu Wenlong

   63    External Director

Zhang Baojian

   59    External Director

Chen Xinyuan

   39    Independent Director

Gu Chuanxun

   68    Independent Director

Wang Xingyu

   59    Independent Director

Wang Yongshou

   63    Independent Director

Other Executive Officers

Shi Wei

   44    Vice President

Wu Haijun

   41    Vice President

Yin Jihai

   46    Vice President

Han Zhihao

   52    Chief Financial Officer

Zhang Zhiliang

   50    Vice President

Zhang Jingming

   46    Secretary of the Company

Supervisory Committee

Du Chongjun

   49    Chairman of the Supervisory Committee

Zhang Chenghua

   48    Supervisor

Zhu Weiyan

   55    Supervisor

Zhang Jianjun

   52    External Supervisor

Lü Xiangyang

   52    External Supervisor

Liu Xiangdong

   52    Independent Supervisor

Zhou Yunnong

   62    Independent Supervisor

 

Directors

 

Lu Yiping is our Chairman of the Board. Mr. Lu joined the Complex in 1974 and has held various positions, including Deputy Director and Director of the Acrylic Fiber Plant of the Complex. In April 1994 he was appointed Vice President responsible for sales and marketing, serving until October 1997, and in June 1995 he was appointed a Director of the Company. He was appointed President in October 1997 and Chairman of the Board in May 1999. From October 1993 to April 1994, Mr. Lu was a Deputy General Manager of JI. Between 1968 and 1974 Mr. Lu worked at the Shanghai No. 16 Yarn-dyed Fabric Mill. He has many years of experience in management of fabric production. In 1968 Mr. Lu graduated from the Textile Engineering Department of the Shanghai Textile Technical College. He is a senior engineer.

 

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Xu Kaicheng is an assistant to the President of Sinopec Group. Mr. Xu joined the Complex in 1973. Prior to our establishment, Mr. Xu was the Secretary of the Communist Party Committee of the Plastics Plant of the Complex. He has considerable experience in large scale enterprise management and supervision and training of management and staff members. In 1991, he spent a year training at Mitsubishi Petrochemical Corporation in Japan. In June 1993, he became our Deputy Party Secretary. He graduated from the Shanghai Television University in 1987 majoring in management. In 1997 he received an MBA from the China Europe International Business School. He is a senior economist.

 

Rong Guangdao is our President. Mr. Rong joined the Complex in 1973 and has held various positions, including Deputy Director of the No.1 Chemical Plant and Deputy Director and Director of the Ethylene Plant. In April 1994 he was appointed a Vice President responsible for production and planning and in June 1995 he was appointed a Director. He was appointed President in October 2003. Mr. Rong has many years of experience in organizing and directing large scale petrochemical production and in company human resource development. In 1985 Mr. Rong graduated from the Automated Instrument Department of the Shanghai Petrochemical College for Workers and Staff Members. In 1997 he obtained an MBA from the China Europe International Business School. He is a senior engineer.

 

Feng Jianping is a Vice President responsible for production, equipment, safety, environment protection and diversification. Mr. Feng joined the Complex in 1976 and he has held various senior positions, including Deputy Director, Director of Vehicle Transportation of the Complex, Manager of the Sales Department, General Manager of the Sales and Supply Division and Deputy Chief Economist of the Company. In January 1996, Mr. Feng was appointed Vice President responsible for marketing and in June 1996, he was appointed a Director. He has considerable experience in operations management . Mr. Feng graduated from Shanghai Industry University in 1983 majoring in business management, and is a senior economist.

 

Jiang Baoxing has been the chairman of our Employee’s Trade Union since our establishment. Mr. Jiang joined the Complex in 1973 and held various positions including Party Secretary and Deputy President of the Thermal Power Plant of the Complex. Mr. Jiang became chairman of the Complex’s trade union in 1990 and in June 1993 he was appointed a Director. Mr. Jiang graduated from Shanghai Television University in 1988 majoring in management.

 

Li Weichang is a Deputy Secretary of our Communist Party Committee and was appointed a Director in June 1999. He joined the Complex in 1982 and has held various positions, including Deputy Director and Director of the Propaganda Division of the Complex, Deputy Secretary of the Communist Party Committee of the Shanghai College of Petrochemical Industry and Director of our Propaganda Division. In September 1998, Mr. Li was appointed a Deputy Secretary of our Communist Party Committee. In 1982, Mr. Li graduated from Wuhan University specializing in philosophy. He obtained a master’s degree at Shanghai Jiaotong University in 1995, majoring in Ideological and Political Education. Mr. Li is qualified with a senior technical title at professor level.

 

External Directors

 

Liu Wenlong is the Assistant to the President and Chief Economist of Sinopec Group. He was appointed a Director of the Company in June 1999. Mr. Liu has held various positions, including Director of the Designing Office, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office and Deputy Chief Engineer of Nanjing Refinery, Vice President of Jinling Petrochemical Company, the Director of the Planning and Finance Division of Sinopec and the Director of the Planning Division of Sinopec. Mr. Liu has acted as the Chief Economist of Sinopec since November 1992 and has concurrently held the position of the Director of the Planning Department of Sinopec Corp. and Sinopec Group since November 1996. As of April 1998, Mr. Liu has concurrently held the position of the Director of the Development and Planning Department of Sinopec Group, and has held the current position since February 2000. Mr. Liu has long been engaged in the management of petrochemical enterprises and he is familiar with planning, designing and management of petrochemical enterprises. Mr. Liu has a wealth of experience in enterprise planning and investment management. He is a qualified senior engineer with a master’s degree.

 

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Zhang Baojian is the Deputy Chief Accountant and Director of the Finance and Planning Department of Sinopec Group, and he was appointed our Director in June 1999. Mr. Zhang has held various positions, including Director and Chief Accountant of the Finance Department of the Yueyang Petrochemical Complex, Chief Accountant of the Finance Department of Sinopec Group, Deputy Director and Director of the Finance Department of Sinopec and the Chairman of Sinopec Finance Company Limited. Mr. Zhang is experienced in financial management. He is a senior accountant at the professor level. Mr. Zhang is a qualified senior engineer with a bachelor’s degree.

 

Independent Directors

 

Chen Xinyuan is currently President, professor and tutor to doctoral students of the College of Accounting, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. He was appointed our independent supervisor in June 2000. After graduating from the Accounting Department, Hangzhou College of Commerce, Zhejiang in July 1985, Mr. Chen undertook graduate studies at the Accounting Department of the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics and stayed on to become a lecturer. He commenced his doctoral studies in accounting while teaching and received his doctoral degree in June 1994. He has been a tutor to doctoral students since December 1998. Mr. Chen has also studied in West Germany for one year. He is very familiar with financial accounting, given his experience in the academic aspects of accounting and notable achievements in accounting research. He is also well experienced in business management.

 

Gu Chuanxun is an independent director of the Company. Mr. Gu has held senior positions in Shanghai Tianyuan Petrochemical Factory and the Complex. He had been Vice President and President of the Complex prior to his retirement in 1988. Mr. Gu was elected Vice Mayor of Shanghai Municipality in 1988. From 1993, he has been serving as the Chairman of Changjiang Economic Joint Development Company engaged in investment in economic cooperation projects in Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan and Chongqing. He graduated from Huadong Petrochemical Institute in 1961 specializing in petrochemical machinery.

 

Wang Xingyu is a professor and the President of East China University of Science and Technology and was appointed our Independent Director in June 1999. Mr. Wang graduated from the Department of Mathematics of Fudan University in 1967 and received a Master’s degree in control theory from East China Normal University in 1982 and a Doctor’s degree in industrial automation from East China Institute of Chemical Technology in 1984. Mr. Wang specializes in the fields of automation, control optimization and intelligent controls. He has published numerous books and papers in these fields and is influential both in China and abroad.

 

Wang Yongshou is the Senior Economic Consultant of Shanghai Jinshan Industrial Investment Development Co., Ltd.. He was appointed our Director in June 1993. Mr. Wang joined the Complex in 1974 and he had been the Deputy Director and Director of the Plastics Plant of the Complex and became the Complex’s chief economist in 1990. Mr. Wang had been the Deputy General Manager of JI since our establishment. In 1997 he became the President of Shanghai Jinshan Industrial Investment Development Company. Mr. Wang has extensive experience in plastics production management. Mr. Wang graduated from Zhejing Petrochemical Institute in 1965 specializing in organic chemistry.

 

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Supervisory Committee

 

The Company has a Supervisory Committee whose primary duty is to supervise senior management of the Company that includes the Board of Directors, managers and senior officers. The function of the Supervisory Committee is to ensure that senior management of the Company act in the interest of the Company, its shareholders and employees and does not perform acts which violate PRC law. The Supervisory Committee reports to the shareholders in the general meeting. The Articles of Association provide the Supervisory Committee with the right to investigate the business and the financial affairs of the Company and to convene shareholder’s meetings from time to time. The Supervisory Committee currently comprises seven members, two of whom are employee representatives and five of whom are external supervisors, including two independent supervisors.

 

Du Chongjun is a Deputy Secretary of the Communist Party Committee and the Secretary of the Communist Party Discipline Supervisory Committee, and was appointed the Chairman of the Supervisory Committee in June 1999. He joined the Complex in 1974 and has held various positions, including General Manager and Secretary of the Communist Party Committee of the Acrylic Fiber Plant of the Complex, General Manager and the Secretary of the Communist Party Committee of Shanghai Jinyang Acrylic Fiber Plant and General Manager of our Acrylic Business Division. Mr. Du has extensive experience in operation, management and internal supervision of large scale enterprises. He is a senior economist with a bachelor’s degree.

 

Zhang Chenghua is a Deputy Secretary of the Communist Party Discipline Supervisory Committee and the Director of the Supervision Committee. He was appointed our supervisor in May 2002. He joined the Complex in 1974 and held various positions, including a Deputy Secretary of the Communist Party Committee and the Secretary of the Communist Party Discipline Supervisory Committee, as well as Chairman of the Trade Union of the Thermoelectricity Plant of the Complex (subsequently known as the Thermoelectricity Plant of Shanghai Petrochemical Company Limited). Mr. Zhang has rich experience in management of enterprises and trade unions. He is a qualified engineer.

 

Zhu Weiyan is a Vice Chairman of our Trade Union, and was appointed our Supervisor in May 2002. He joined the Complex in 1979 and had worked at the Research Institution and the Human Resource Department of the Complex. He has held various positions, including the Chairman of the Trade Union and the Director of the Propaganda Division. Mr. Zhu has rich experience in the operation of trade unions. He graduated in 1977 from the Physics Department of Fudan University in Shanghai specializing in cryogenic superconductors. He also graduated from the Shanghai No. 2 Industry University specializing in management. Mr. Zhu holds the title of senior engineer.

 

External Supervisors

 

Zhang Jianjun is currently Deputy Director of the Supervision Bureau of Sinopec Group. She was appointed our external supervisor in June 2000. After she graduated from Tianjin University in September 1975 specializing in catalyst studies, Ms. Zhang joined Beijing Petrochemical Complex where she worked with a catalyst research team for 5 years. Ms. Zhang had held various positions, including Deputy Secretary of the Disciplinary Committee, Deputy Director and Deputy Party Secretary of the Research Institute and Director of the Supervisory Office of Yanshan Petrochemical Company Limited and Party Secretary of the Research Institute of Yanshan Petrochemical Company Limited. Ms. Zhang has accumulated a wealth of experience in the management of petrochemical companies, having held various positions in senior management. Ms. Zhang has a senior professional title.

 

Lü Xiangyang is a Vice Director of the Auditing Bureau of Sinopec Group and was appointed our Supervisor in June 2002. He joined Qianguo Oil Refinery in 1970 and had held various positions there, including Deputy Director and Director of the Financial Department. He has served as the Deputy Director of the Production Auditing Division of the Auditing Department of Sinopec since 1992 and served as the Deputy Director of the Auditing Bureau of Sinopec and Sinopec Group since 1997. Mr. Lü

 

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had also held positions as the Director of Production Auditing Department and Deputy Manager of Sinopec Huxia Auditing Company. He has rich experience in management in the fields of finance and auditing. He graduated in 1985 from the Xi’an College of Petroleum Industry and has the title of accountant.

 

Independent Supervisors

 

Liu Xiangdong is currently the President of Zhengda International Finance Corporation. He was appointed our independent supervisor in June 2000. Mr. Liu has held the positions of Planning and Credit Officer and Deputy Head of the Credit Division of the People’s Bank, Shanghai Hongkou District Branch. He has also been Deputy Chief and Chief of the Planning Department of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Shanghai Branch. He became Chief Economist and concurrently the Director of the Planning Division of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Shanghai Branch in August 1996. He has been Deputy Director of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Shanghai Branch since October 1997, and held the current position from 2002. Mr. Liu is a veteran in the banking sector with abundant experience in management and other practical aspects of the business. He holds a master’s degree in Economics and the title of senior economist.

 

Zhou Yunnong is the former Governor of Shanghai Jinshan District, and is a Member of the Leaders Group of Shanghai Chemical and Industrial Park. He is currently the Senior Advisor of Jinshan Industrial Investment and Development Company. In August 1964, Mr. Zhou graduated from Huadong Normal University majoring in radio. He joined the Complex in October 1972, and was appointed the Vice President of the Complex in November 1984. From June 1989 to August 1991, Mr. Zhou was the Deputy Director of the Human Resource Department of Sinopec. In August 1991, Mr. Zhou became the Deputy Secretary of Communist Party Committee of the Complex, and was appointed the Vice President of the Complex in March 1992. From July 1993 to April 1994, Mr. Zhou was our Vice President in charge of administration and human resources. In April 1994, Mr. Zhou was appointed the Secretary of the Communist Party Committee of JI, and he was the Governor to Jinshan District of Shanghai from May 1997 to November 1999. Mr. Zhou has the title of senior engineer and he has rich experience in business management.

 

Senior Management

 

Wu Haijun is a Vice President responsible for overall planning, investment projects and construction projects. Mr. Wu joined the Complex in 1984 and has held various positions, including Deputy Director and Director of the No. 2 Petrochemical Plant and Manager of our Petrochemical Department. Mr. Wu graduated from the Chemical Engineering Department of the Eastern China Petrochemical Institute in 1984 and obtained an MBA from the China Europe International Business School in 1997. He is a qualified senior engineer.

 

Yin Jihai is a Vice President responsible for foreign joint ventures and cooperation, and foreign trade. Mr. Yin joined the Complex in 1984 and has held various positions, including Assistant to the General Manager and the Deputy General Manager and the General Manager of the Sales Company. Mr. Yin became the Director of the Market Division of the Company in 1999. He was appointed the Vice President of the Company in December 2001. Mr. Yin graduated from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics specializing in trade and economics in 1984. He obtained a doctorate from the China Europe International Business School in 2001.

 

Han Zhihao is our Chief Financial Officer responsible for financial management. Mr. Han joined the complex in 1976 and has held various positions, including Deputy Director of the Vehicle Transportation Department, a Deputy Director and the Director of the Finance Department of the Complex, Director of the Company’s Finance Department and an Associate Chief Accountant. He was appointed our Chief Financial Officer in September 1998. Mr. Han graduated from Canberra University of Australia with an MBA degree, and is a qualified senior accountant.

 

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Shi Wei is a Vice President of the Company. Mr. Shi joined the complex in 1982 and was appointed Assistant to the Manager of the Refining and Chemical Division in May 1996, Deputy Manager of Refining and Chemical Division in October 1997, Manager of the Environment Protection Division of the Company in March 1999, Secretary of the Communist Party Committee of the Refining and Chemical Division in April 2001, Manager of the Refining and Chemical Division in July 2002, and Vice President of the Company in October 2003. Mr. Shi has the experience on management of large enterprises and on organizing and leading production and management of a large petrochemical enterprise. Mr. Shi graduated from the Eastern China Petrochemical Institute specializing in oil refinery engineering in 1982, and completed the postgraduate course on business administration in Eastern China University of Science and Technology in 1998. He is a qualified senior engineer.

 

Zhang Zhiliang is a Vice President of the Company. Mr. Zhang joined the complex in 1977 and has held various positions, including Deputy Director and Director of the No. 1 Petrochemical Plant of the Company and Deputy Manager and Manager of our Refining and Chemical Division. Mr. Zhang was appointed Vice President of the Company in April 1997. He served as Director of the Company from June 1997 to October 2003. Mr. Zhang has many years of experience in organizing and leading petrochemical production and construction of petrochemical projects. Mr. Zhang graduated from Fudan University in 1977 majoring in polymer chemistry and completed the postgraduate course on industry economics in Shanghai Institute of Social Sciences in June 2001. He is a qualified senior engineer.

 

Zhang Jingming is the Secretary of the Board and the Director of the Secretariat Office to our Board of Directors and is a qualified senior economist. In 1995, Mr. Zhang received an MBA from the University of Hull in the UK. Mr. Zhang joined the Complex in 1978. Mr. Zhang has held various positions including Project Manager and Deputy Director of the International Department and our representative in Hong Kong. Mr. Zhang is fluent in English with special expertise in interpretation and translation of petrochemical engineering documents. Mr. Zhang participated in the technology exchange and agreement negotiation of the Complex’s Phase II & III projects.

 

B. Compensation.

 

The aggregate amount of cash compensation we paid to our directors, supervisors and executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2003 was approximately RMB 2.5 million (US$ 0.3 million). In addition, directors and supervisors who are also officers or employees receive certain other benefits-in-kind, such as subsidized or free health care services, housing and transportation, which large Chinese enterprises customarily provide to their employees.

 

In 2003, the aggregate emoluments of the three of our highest paid directors were RMB 622,406 (US$75,200), and the aggregate emoluments of the three of our highest paid executive officers were RMB 445,860 (US$53,869). In 2003, our independent directors did not receive any allowance or emoluments. Other directors and supervisors that did not receive any emoluments or allowance from us are: Li Weichang, Liu Wenlong, Zhang Baojian, Chen Xinyuan, Zhang Jianjun, Lü Xiangyang, Zhou Yunnong and Liu Xiangdong. In 2003, the number of directors, supervisors or executive officer that received emoluments below RMB 150,000 (US$18,123), between RMB 150,000 (US$18,123) and RMB 200,000 (US$24,164) and between RMB200,000 (US$24,164) and RMB 250,000 (US$30,205) are 6, 8 and 2, respectively.

 

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C. Board Practices.

 

Board of Directors

 

All of our current directors were elected on June 18, 2002 and each will serve a term of three years or until the election of their respective successors. None of our directors or supervisors have entered into any service contract with us or any of our subsidiaries providing for benefits upon termination of employment.

 

Supervisory Committee

 

The board of supervisors are to supervise our directors and our senior officers and prevent them from abusing their positions and powers or infringing our rights and interests or those of our shareholders or employees. The board of supervisors has no power over the decisions or actions of our directors or officers except to compel them to correct any act harmful to our interests. The board of supervisors is currently composed of seven members appointed for a three year term. It has the right to attend meetings of our board of directors, inspect our financial affairs and perform other supervisory functions.

 

Audit Committee

 

Pursuant to Paragraph 14 of the Code of Best Practice set out in Appendix 14 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Ltd, we formed an audit committee on June 15, 1999 which consists of two directors, Wang Xingyu and Wang Yongshou. The principal duty of the audit committee is to review and supervise our financial reporting process and internal controls. The members of the audit committee will hold office for the same term as directors.

 

Remuneration Committee

 

We formed a remuneration committee on December 25, 2001 which consists of three directors, Gu Chuanxun, Wang Yongshou and Rong Guangdao. The operating rules for the remuneration committee are still in the process of formulation.

 

D. Employees.

 

As of December 31, 2003, we had 31,008 employees.

 

The following table shows the approximate number of employees we had at the end of our last three years by the principal business function they performed:

 

     December 31,

     2003

   2002

   2001

Management

   2,751    2,962    3,348

Engineers, technicians and factory personnel

   22,423    23,293    23,048

Accounting, marketing and other

   5,834    5,234    5,685

Total

   31,008    31,489    32,081

 

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Approximately 19.27% of our work force graduated from university or technical colleges. In addition, we offered our employees opportunities for education and training based upon our development and actual performance of the employees.

 

We have completed implementing a system of labor contracts. The contract system imposes discipline, provides incentives to adopt better work habits and gives us greater management control over our work force. We believe that by linking remuneration to productivity the contract system has also improved employee morale. As of December 31, 2003, almost all of the work force was employed under labor contracts which specify the employee’s position, responsibilities, remuneration and grounds for termination. The contracts generally have terms of five years and may be renewed with the agreement of both parties. The personnel who have worked in SPC for over ten years may enter into labor contracts with an indefinite term. Since 1999, we have reduced our workforce by over 8,000.

 

We have a trade union that protects employees’ rights, aims to assist in the fulfillment of our economic objectives, encourages employee participation in management decisions and assists in mediating disputes between us and union members. We have not been subject to any strikes or other labor disturbances which have interfered with our operations, and we believe that our relations with our employees are good.

 

Total remuneration of our employees includes salary and bonuses. Employees also receive certain benefits in terms of housing, education and health services that we subsidize, and other miscellaneous subsidies. In 2003, we paid RMB1,091 million in employment costs.

 

In compliance with Shanghai regulations, we and our employees participate in a defined contribution government pension scheme under which all employees upon retirement are entitled to receive pensions. Pursuant to government regulations, we established a supplementary defined contribution retirement scheme for all employees in 1995. This scheme provides for a supplementary pension funded by voluntary payments by employees that are matched by payments we make. Each year’s level of matching payments is based upon our profitability and the employee’s performance and attitude. The supplementary pension is intended to provide a further incentive to employees.

 

In 1996, government directives required us to provide to eligible employees the opportunity to purchase housing that we had previously provided to them through JI. As of December 31, 1996, eligible employees, for a minor amount of consideration, had acquired 80.0% of our staff dormitories, the rights to which had previously been held in part by us and in part by JI. The net book value of the rights we previously held represents the original cost of the rights, which were established through arm’s length negotiations between us and JI, minus depreciation. We determined to write-off the value of these rights acquired by our employees, resulting in 1996 in an operating expense in the amount of RMB160.7 million (US$19.4 million) charged to our consolidated statements of income. After the write-off, the balance of the housing which had not been acquired by eligible employees had a net book value of approximately RMB48.0 million (US$5.8 million). In 1999 we incurred similar charges of RMB155 million (US$18.7 million). The housing reform policy ceased in 2000 pursuant to government directives.

 

We do not carry worker’s compensation or other similar insurance. However, all employees (both contract and non-contract employees) who are unable to work due to illness or disability, whether or not such illness or disability is job-related, will continue, based on seniority, to receive most or all of their base salary and certain subsidies (but not bonuses) throughout the period of their absence, subject to

 

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certain time limitations. Employees who are unable to work due to job-related illnesses or disabilities will receive certain additional compensation from us. The compensation varies depending on the severity of the illness or disability. Structural changes being implemented by the Chinese and Shanghai governments and our own implementation of joint stock limited company accounting and financial principles may result in certain adjustments of the funding, management and payment methods for these types of worker’s compensation arrangements over time.

 

E. Share Ownership.

 

The following table shows the interests of our Directors, Supervisors and senior officers in our shares as of December 31, 2003 and the net change since January 1, 2003. All shares indicated were A shares and represented the personal interests of the relevant persons. In each case, they represent less than 1% of the outstanding A shares. No change in shareholdings occurred. Except as disclosed below, none of the Directors, Supervisors or senior officers or their associates had any beneficial interest in our issued share capital in 2003.

 

Name


  

Position


  

Shares held at

December 31, 2003


   Net change

Lu Yiping    Chairman    3,600    No change
Xu Kaicheng    Director    3,600    No change
Rong Guangdao    Director and President    3,600    No change
Feng Jianping    Director and Vice President    3,600    No change
Jiang Baoxing    Director    3,600    No change
Li Weichang    Director    1,000    No change
Liu Wenlong    External Director    0    No change
Zhang Baojian    External Director    0    No change
Wang Yongshou    Independent Director    3,600    No change
Gu Chuanxun    Independent Director    0    No change
Wang Xingyu    Independent Director    0    No change
*Chen Xinyuan    Independent Director    0    No change
Du Chongjun    Chairman of Supervisory Committee    1,000    No change
Zhang Chenghua    Supervisor    0    No change
Zhu Weiyan    Supervisor    0    No change
Zhang Jianjun    External Supervisor    0    No change
Lü Xiangyang    External Supervisor    0    No change
Liu Xiangdong    Independent Supervisor    0    No change
Zhou Yunnong    Independent Supervisor    0    No change
*Zhang Zhiliang    Vice President    1,500    No change
Wu Haijun    Vice President    1,500    No change
Yin Jihai    Vice President    0    No change
Han Zhihao    Chief Financial Officer    0    No change
Shi Wei    Vice President    0    No change
Zhang Jingming    Company Secretary    0    No change

* Zhang Zhiliang resigned as a director on June 18, 2003. Chen Xinyuan then became an Independent Director on the same day.

 

We have no employee share purchase plan, share option plan or other arrangement to involve employees in our share capital.

 

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ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS.

 

A. Major Shareholders.

 

Sinopec Corp owns 55.56% of our share capital and is able to exercise all the rights of a controlling shareholder, including the election of directors and voting on amendments to our Articles of Association.

 

The table below sets forth information regarding ownership of our capital stock as of May 31, 2004 by (i) all persons who we know own more than five percent of our capital stock and (ii) our officers and directors as a group. We are not aware that any such shareholder had voting rights different from those indicated by the table below.

 

Title of Class


  

Identity of Person or Group


   Number of
Shares Held


  

Percent of

Total Share
Capital


 
Domestic Shares    China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation    4,000,000,000    55.56 %
H Shares    HKSCC nominees Ltd.    1,915,023,857    26.60 %
A Shares    Directors and Officers    32,200    less than 1 %

 

As of May 31, 2004, a total of 2,330,000,000 H Shares were outstanding. As of May 28, 2004, a total of 3,015,882 ADSs, representing the equivalent of 301,588,200 H Shares, were outstanding and held by 127 holders of record. A total of 720,000,000 A Shares were also outstanding on May 28, 2004.

 

B. Related Party Transactions.

 

Intercompany service agreements

 

Prior to its dissolution, JI provided machinery maintenance, transportation, medical care, technical training and other services to us, and we provided public utility services, such as water, electricity and steam, to JI. Following the dissolution of JI in August 1997 and the transfer of its subsidiaries to Sinopec, the services agreement between us and JI was terminated. In March 1998, we entered into a new services agreement with Sinopec to replace the terminated services agreement. The new services agreement contains the same terms and conditions as those contained in the previous services agreement and the services are to be provided either at market prices or prices set by governmental authorities. Those services are currently provided by Sinopec Group. See Item 4A. Information on the Company – History.

 

In August 1997, we entered into a three-year agreement (the “Agreement”) with Sinopec for the management of six subsidiaries (the “Subsidiaries”) formerly held under and managed by JI and which provided services and products to us as required by the previous services agreement between us and JI. Following the dissolution of JI in August 1997, the Subsidiaries became subsidiaries of Sinopec and are now directly controlled by Sinopec Group. Under the Agreement, we have agreed to manage the production, operation and labor and employment matters of the Subsidiaries. We estimate the total management fee we receive, which is calculated on a cost basis, to be approximately RMB500,000 (US$60,406) to RMB600,000 (US$72,487) each year. We deduct these fees from the amounts payable to the Subsidiaries for their provision of services and products to us pursuant to the new services agreement referred to above.

 

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Business-related dealings

 

We have entered into transactions with each of Sinopec Corp, Sinopec Group and its predecessor, Sinopec, JI and their respective affiliated entities, all of which are our affiliates, and will continue to enter into transactions with each of Sinopec Corp, Sinopec Group and their affiliated entities. Transactions with Sinopec Corp and its affiliated entities include the allocation of crude oil and certain raw materials, the exclusive sale of our acrylic fibers production, and the sale of certain of our products pursuant to the State Plan.

 

Ethylene Joint Venture

 

Late in 2001, we established Secco, a Sino-foreign equity joint venture, together with BP and Sinopec Corp. We own 20%, while BP and Sinopec Corp own 50% and 30%, respectively. Secco was established to build and operate a 900,000 tons rated capacity ethylene petrochemical manufacturing facility, to manufacture and market ethylene, polyethylene, styrene, polystyrene, propylene, acrylonitrile, polypropylene, butadiene, aromatics and by-products, to provide related after-sales services and technical advice with respect to such petrochemical products and by products, and to engage in polymers application development. Secco is expected to complete construction in 2005. Secco’s total registered capital is US$901,440,964, of which we will provide the Renminbi equivalent of US$180,287,952. As of December 31, 2003, we paid approximately RMB637.7 million of the above sum. All of our contribution will be made before construction is completed in 2005.

 

HKSE Connected Transactions Waivers

 

The HKSE has granted two waivers from HKSE requirements that would require us to seek advance shareholder approval for transactions with related parties.

 

Transactions under the State Plan – Transactions entered into pursuant to the State Plan are exempt, provided that we disclose them to shareholders in our next annual report filed in Hong Kong (“HK Annual Report”).

 

Transactions with Sinopec Corp – The HKSE has confirmed that transactions with Sinopec Corp or its associates which were previously carried out with Sinopec and its associates and were covered by the waivers, continue to be exempt following the reorganization of Sinopec on the basis that there is no change in our ultimate controlling shareholder, provided that we satisfy the following conditions (such transactions will include transactions with Sinopec Group since Sinopec Group is the controlling company of Sinopec Corp):

 

  we disclose details of the transactions to shareholders in our next HK Annual Report,

 

  our independent non-executive directors certify in our next HK Annual Report that the transactions have been entered into (1) in the ordinary course of business of the relevant companies, (2) on normal commercial terms or on terms that are fair and reasonable so far as our shareholders are concerned and (3) the transactions have been entered into either in accordance with the terms of the agreement governing them or, where there is no such agreement, on terms no less favorable than terms available to third parties,

 

  we provide a copy of the HKSE’s waivers letter to our auditors and draw their attention to the requirements, and

 

  our auditors review the transactions each year

 

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If, however, disclosure of any such transactions is necessary to enable investors to appraise our position or to avoid the establishment of a false market in our shares or if such transactions may have any material effect on the trading of our shares on the HKSE, we are required to disclose the relevant transaction to the HKSE as soon as practicable. The expression “ordinary course of business” will be determined in the context of the actual business of the relevant company and the expression “normal commercial terms” will be applied by reference to transactions of a similar nature and to be made by similar entities within China or, in the absence of available comparison, by reference to our history and pattern of dealings. Please also see Note 25 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 18. Financial Statements.

 

Other related party transactions

 

He Fei, a non-executive Director prior to June 18, 2002, is a partner of Haiwen & Partners, our legal advisor on Chinese laws, which has received and will continue to receive legal fees in connection with their representation of us.

 

C. Interests of Experts and Counsel.

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION.

 

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information.

 

Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Please see Item 18. Financial Statements.

 

Other Financial Information

 

Export Sales

 

In 2003, export sales accounted for RMB1,506.0 million (US$182.0 million) or 5.2% of our total net sales.

 

Litigation

 

Neither we nor any of our subsidiaries is a party to, nor is any of our or their property the subject of, any legal or arbitration proceedings which may have significant effects on our financial position or profitability. We are not aware of any litigation or arbitration proceedings in which any of our directors, any member of our senior management or any of our affiliates is an adverse party or has a material adverse interest.

 

Dividend Policy

 

Our board of directors may propose dividend distributions subject to the approval of the shareholders. The Articles of Association also provide that, unless the shareholders otherwise resolve, our board of directors is authorized in advance to distribute interim dividends each year up to 50% of our distributable profits. Shareholders receive dividends proportional to their shareholding.

 

The Articles of Association require that cash dividends and other distributions in respect of H shares be declared in Renminbi and paid by us in Hong Kong dollars while cash dividends and other distributions of the domestic shares shall be paid in Renminbi. If we record no profit for the year, we may not distribute dividends for the year.

 

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We expect to continue to pay dividends, although there can be no assurance as to the particular amounts that might be paid from year to year. Payment of future dividends will depend upon our revenue, financial condition, future earnings and other factors. See Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects. See also Item 3. Key Information – Selected Financial Data – Dividends.

 

B. Significant Changes.

 

No significant change has occurred after the date of the financial statements included in this Annual Report.

 

ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING.

 

A. Offer and Listing Details

 

Set forth below is certain market information relating to our H Shares and ADSs for the periods indicated.

 

     Price per H Share

   Price per ADS

     (HK$)

   (US$)

     High

   Low

   High

   Low

1999

   1.97    0.51    24.69    7.00

2000

   1.50    0.67    18.56    9.00

2001

   1.35    0.52    17.15    7.00

2002

   1.28    0.69    15.61    8.74

2003

   3.45    1.70    46.26    14.35

2002

                   

First Quarter

   1.21    0.69    15.18    8.74

Second Quarter

   1.28    1.01    15.61    12.58

Third Quarter

   1.21    0.85    14.61    10.38

Fourth Quarter

   1.28    0.77    15.37    9.49

2003

                   

First Quarter

   1.46    1.10    18.98    14.35

Second Quarter

   1.69    1.08    20.94    14.55

Third Quarter

   1.93    1.44    24.99    18.73

Fourth Quarter

   3.45    1.63    46.26    21.50

Most Recent Six Months

                   

December, 2003

   3.45    2.50    46.26    33.98

January, 2004

   3.78    2.93    49.36    37.79

February, 2004

   3.93    3.08    50.30    41.48

March, 2004

   3.88    3.30    49.00    44.18

April, 2004

   4.08    2.50    53.12    32.67

May, 2004

   2.73    1.86    35.00    25.09

 

B. Plan of Distribution

 

Not applicable.

 

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C. Markets

 

The principal trading market for our H Shares is the HKSE. The ADSs, each representing 100 H Shares, have been issued by The Bank of New York as depositary under a Deposit Agreement with us and are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “SHI.” We have also listed our A Shares on the Shanghai Securities Exchange. Prior to our initial public offering and subsequent listings on the HKSE and NYSE on July 26, 1993, there was no market for our H Shares or the ADSs. Public trading in our A Shares commenced on November 8, 1993.

 

D. Selling Shareholders

 

Not applicable.

 

E. Dilution

 

Not applicable.

 

F. Expenses of the Issue

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

 

A. Share Capital

 

Not applicable.

 

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association.

 

The following is a summary based upon provisions of our Articles of Association as currently in effect, the Company Law of the People’s Republic of China (1993) and other selected laws and regulations applicable to us. You should refer to the text of the Articles of Association and to the texts of applicable laws and regulations for further information.

 

Our total registered capital is 7,200,000,000 ordinary shares, of which 4,870,000,000 are domestic shares and 2,330,000,000 H shares. Our Articles of Association provide, at article 12, that our purpose is:

 

  to build and operate a diversified industrial companies which will be one of the world’s leading petrochemical companies;

 

  to promote the development of the petrochemical industry in China through the production of a broad variety of outstanding products; and

 

  to practice advanced, scientific management and apply flexible business principles, and to develop overseas markets for our products so that we and our shareholders receive reasonable economic benefits.

 

Our scope of business is limited to matters approved by Chinese authorities. Article 13 provides that our primary business scope includes:

 

  refining crude oil, a wide range of petroleum products, petrochemical products, basic organic chemicals, synthetic fibers and monomers, plastic products, polyester fibers and yarns, raw materials for knitting and textile products and finished products; and

 

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  production and operation of industrial fuels, production and operation of other by-products and refining and processing of platinum metals.

 

Our secondary scope of operation includes: electricity generation, supply of heat, supply of liquefied petroleum gas, water treatment, railways, ocean and inland water transport, warehousing, real estate, technical consultation, import and export, research and all other activities incidental and consistent with our primary and secondary operation and business scope. We may adjust these subject to approval by governmental authorities.

 

The following discussion primarily concerns our shares and the rights of our shareholders. Holders of our ADSs will not be treated as our shareholders and will be required to surrender their ADSs for cancellation and withdrawal from the depositary facility in which the H shares are held in order to exercise shareholder rights in respect of H shares.

 

Domestic shares and overseas-listed foreign invested H shares are both ordinary shares in our share capital. Domestic shares are shares we issue to domestic Chinese investors for subscription in Renminbi, while H shares are shares we issue for subscription in other currencies to investors from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and outside of China.

 

Sources of Shareholders’ Rights

 

China’s legal system is based on written statutes and is a system in which decided legal cases have little precedent value. China’s legal system is similar to civil law systems in this regard. In 1979, China began the process of developing its legal system by undertaking to promulgate a comprehensive system of laws. In December 1993, the Standing Committee of the 8th National People’s Congress adopted the Chinese Company Law. Although the Chinese Company Law is expected to serve as the core of a body of regulatory measures, which will impose a uniform standard of corporate behavior on companies and their directors and shareholders, only a limited portion of this body of regulatory measures has so far been promulgated.

 

Currently, the primary sources of shareholder rights are the Articles of Association, the Chinese Company Law and the HKSE listing rules, which, among other things, impose standards of conduct, fairness and disclosure on us, our directors and our controlling shareholder. To facilitate the offering and listing of shares of Chinese companies overseas, and to regulate the behavior of companies whose shares are listed overseas, the State Council Securities Committee and the State Commission for Restructuring the Economic System issued the Mandatory Provisions for articles of association of Companies Listing Overseas on August 27, 1994. These provisions have been incorporated into our Articles of Association and any amendment to those provisions will only become effective after approval by the companies approval department of local government authorized by the State Economic and Trade Commission and the China Securities Regulatory Commission.

 

In addition, upon the listing of and for so long as the H shares are listed on the HKSE, we will be subject to those relevant ordinance, rules and regulations applicable to companies listed on the HKSE, the Securities (Disclosure of Interests) Ordinance and the Hong Kong Codes on Takeovers and Mergers and Share Repurchases.

 

Unless otherwise specified, all rights, obligations and protections discussed below derive from our Articles of Association and/or the Chinese Company Law.

 

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Enforceability of Shareholders’ Rights

 

There has not been any public disclosure in relation to the enforcement by holders of H shares of their rights under constitutive documents of joint stock limited companies or the Chinese Company Law or in the application or interpretation of the Chinese or Hong Kong regulatory provisions applicable to Chinese joint stock limited companies.

 

In most states of the United States, shareholders may sue a corporation “derivatively”. A derivative suit involves the commencement by a shareholder of a corporate cause of action against persons who have allegedly wronged the corporation, where the corporation itself has failed to enforce the claims directly. This would include suits against corporate officers, directors, or controlling shareholders. This type of action is brought based upon a primary right of the corporation, but is asserted by a shareholder on behalf of the corporation. Because the right to sue derivatively is not available under Chinese law, our shareholders may have to rely on other means to enforce the rights of shareholders, such as through administrative proceedings.

 

Our Articles of Association provide that all differences or claims

 

  between a holder of H shares and us;

 

  between a holder of H shares and any of our directors, supervisors, manager or other senior officers; or

 

  between a holder of H shares and a holder of domestic shares,

 

involving any right or obligation provided in the Articles of Association, the Chinese Company Law or any other relevant law or administrative regulation which concerns our affairs must, with some exceptions, be referred to arbitration at either the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission in China or the Hong Kong International Arbitration Center. Our Articles of Association also provide that the arbitration will be final and conclusive. On June 21, 1999, an arrangement was made between Hong Kong and China for the summary mutual enforcement of each other’s arbitration awards in a manner consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards and pre-handover practice. This new arrangement was approved by the Supreme Court of China and the Hong Kong Legislative Council, and became effective on February 1, 2000.

 

All of our directors and officers reside outside the United States (principally in China) and substantially all of our assets and of those persons are located outside the United States. Therefore, you may not be able to effect service of process within the United States against any of those persons. In addition, China does not have treaties providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments of courts within the United States or most other countries that are members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. This means that administrative actions brought by regulatory authorities such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, and other actions which result in foreign court judgments could only be enforced in China if the judgments or rulings do not violate the basic principles of the law of China or the sovereignty, security and social public interest of the society of China, as determined by a People’s Court of China which has jurisdiction for recognition and enforcement of judgments. We have been advised by our Chinese counsel, Haiwen & Partners, that there is doubt as to the enforceability in China of any actions to enforce judgments of United States courts arising out of or based on the ownership of our H shares or ADSs, including judgments arising out of or based on the civil liability provisions of United States federal or state securities laws.

 

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Restrictions on Transferability and the Share Register

 

All fully paid up H shares will be freely transferable in accordance with the Articles of Association unless otherwise prescribed by law and/or administrative regulations. Under current laws and regulations, H shares may be traded only among investors who are not Chinese persons, and may not be sold to Chinese investors. Consequences under Chinese law of a purported transfer of H shares to Chinese investors are unclear.

 

As provided in our Articles of Association, we may refuse to register a transfer of H shares without providing any reason unless:

 

  any relevant transfer fee and stamp duty is paid;

 

  the instrument of transfer is accompanied by the share certificates to which it relates and any other evidence reasonably required by our board to prove the transferor’s right to make the transfer;

 

  there are no more than four joint holders as transferees; and

 

  the H shares are free from any lien of ours.

 

Additionally, no transfers of shares may be registered within the 30 days prior to a shareholders’ general meeting or within five days before we decide on the distribution of dividends.

 

We are required to keep a register of our shareholders which shall be comprised of various parts, including one part which is to be maintained in Hong Kong in relation to H shares listed on the HKSE. Shareholders have the right to inspect the share register. For a reasonable fee, shareholders may copy any part of the share register, obtain background information regarding our directors, supervisors, manager and other senior officers, minutes of shareholder general meetings and reports regarding our share capital and any share repurchases in the prior year.

 

Dividends

 

Our Articles of Association require the Company to distribute dividends annually in the second quarter of the year following that in which the Company made the profits from which the dividend is paid. The Articles of Association allow for distribution of dividends in the form of cash or shares. A distribution of shares, however, must be approved by special resolution of the shareholders.

 

Dividends may only be distributed, however, after allowance has been made for:

 

  recovery of losses, if any;

 

  allocations to the statutory common reserve fund;

 

  allocations to the statutory public welfare fund;

 

  payment of dividends on any preference shares we issue in the future; and

 

  allocations to a discretionary common reserve fund.

 

The Articles of Association require us to appoint on behalf of the holders of H shares a receiving agent which is registered as a trust corporation under the Trustee Ordinance of Hong Kong to receive

 

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dividends we declare in respect of the H shares on behalf of the H shareholders. The Articles of Association require that cash dividends and other distributions in respect of H shares be declared in Renminbi and paid by us in Hong Kong dollars while cash dividends and other distributions of the domestic shares shall be paid in Renminbi.

 

If we record no profit for the year, we may not normally distribute dividends for the year.

 

Dividend payments may be subject to Chinese withholding tax. See Item 10. Additional Information – Taxation.

 

Voting Rights and Shareholders’ Meetings

 

Our board of directors must convene a shareholders’ annual general meeting once every year within six months from the end of the preceding financial year. Our board must convene an extraordinary general meeting within two months of the occurrence of any one of the following events:

 

  where the number of directors is less than 10, two-thirds of the number specified in our Articles of Association;

 

  if the number of directors is less than five, a number stipulated in the Chinese Company Law;

 

  where our unrecovered losses reach one-third of the total amount of our share capital;

 

  where shareholder(s) holding 10% or more of our issued and outstanding voting shares request(s) in writing; or

 

  whenever our board deems necessary or our board of supervisors so request.

 

Meetings of a special class of shareholders must be called in specified situations when the rights of the holders of that class of shares may be varied or abrogated, as discussed below. Resolutions proposed by our Supervisory Committee or shareholder(s) holding 5% or more of the total number of voting shares shall be included in the agenda for the relevant annual general meeting if they are matters which fall within the scope of the functions and powers of shareholders in general meeting.

 

All shareholders’ meetings must be convened by our board by notice given to shareholders by personal service, mail or announcement in the newspaper not less than 45 days before the meeting. Based on the written replies we receive 20 days before a shareholders’ meeting, we will calculate the number of voting shares represented by shareholders who have indicated that they intend to attend the meeting. We can convene the shareholders’ general meeting if the number of voting shares represented by those shareholders is more than one-half of our total voting shares, regardless of the number of shareholders who actually attend the meeting. Otherwise, we shall, within five days, inform the shareholders again of the motions to be considered and the date and venue of the meeting by way of public announcement. After the announcement is made, the shareholders’ meeting may be convened. Our accidental omission to give notice of a meeting to, or the non-receipt of notice of a meeting by, a shareholder will not invalidate the proceedings at that shareholders’ meeting. However, an extraordinary shareholders meeting cannot conduct any business not contained in the notice of meeting.

 

Shareholders at meetings have the power, among other things, to decide on our operational policies and investment plans, to approve or reject our proposed annual budget, approve or reject our profit distribution plans, an increase or decrease in share capital, the issuance of debentures, our merger or liquidation and any amendment to our Articles of Association. Shareholders also have the right to

 

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review any proposals by a shareholder owning 5% or more of our shares. In general, holders of H shares and domestic shares vote together as a single class at all meetings and on all matters. However, the rights of a class of shareholders may not be varied or abrogated, unless approved by both a special resolution of all shareholders at a general shareholders’ meeting and by a special resolution of shareholders of that class of shares at a separate meeting. Our Articles of Association specify, without limitation, that the following amendments would be deemed to be a variation or abrogation of the rights of a class of shareholders:

 

  increasing or decreasing the number of shares of a class or of a class having voting or distribution rights or privileges equal or superior to that class;

 

  removing or reducing rights to receive dividends in a particular currency;

 

  creating shares with voting or distribution rights superior to shares of that class;

 

  restricting or adding restrictions to the transfer of ownership of shares of that class;

 

  allotting and issuing rights to subscribe for, or to convert into, shares of that class or another class;

 

  increasing the rights or privileges of any other class; or

 

  modifying the provision of our Articles of Association that specifies which amendments would be deemed a variation or abrogation of the rights of a class of shareholder.

 

For votes on any of these matters, or any other matter that would vary or abrogate the rights of the domestic shares or H shares, the holders of domestic shares and H shares are deemed to be separate classes and vote separately. However, “Interested Shareholders” are not entitled to vote at class meetings. The meaning of “Interested Shareholder” depends on the proposal to be voted on at the class meeting:

 

  If the proposal is for us to repurchase our shares either from all shareholders proportionately or by purchasing share on a stock exchange, an “Interested Shareholder” is our controlling shareholder;

 

  If the proposal is for us to repurchase our shares from a shareholder by a private contract, an “Interested Shareholder” is the shareholder whose shares would be repurchased;

 

  If the proposal is for our restructuring, an “Interested Shareholder” is any shareholder that has an interest in the restructuring different from the other shareholders of the class or who bears a burden under the proposed restructuring that is less than proportionate to his shareholdings of the class.

 

Our Articles of Association specifically provide that an issue of up to 20% of domestic and H shares would not be a variation or abrogation of the rights of domestic shareholders or H shareholders, therefore, separate approval of the domestic shareholders or H Shareholders would not be required.

 

Each share is entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders at all shareholders’ meetings, except for meetings of a special class of shareholders where only holders of shares of the affected class are entitled to vote on the basis of one vote per share of the affected class.

 

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Shareholders are entitled to attend and vote at meetings either in person or by proxy. Proxies must be in writing and deposited at our residence, or any other place specified in the meeting notice, not less than 24 hours before the time for holding the meeting at which the proxy proposes to vote or the time appointed for the passing of the relevant resolution(s). When the instrument appointing a proxy is executed by the shareholder’s attorney-in-fact, the proxy when deposited must be accompanied by a notarially certified copy of the relevant power of attorney or other authority under which the proxy was executed.

 

Except for those actions discussed below, which require supermajority votes, or special resolutions, resolutions of the shareholders are passed by a simple majority of the voting shares held by shareholders who are present in person or by proxy. Special resolutions must be passed by more than two-thirds of the voting rights represented by shareholders who are present in person or by proxy.

 

The following decisions must be adopted by special resolution:

 

  an increase or reduction of our share capital or the issue of shares of any class, warrants and other similar securities;

 

  the issue of our debentures;

 

  our division, merger, dissolution and liquidation;

 

  amendments to our Articles of Association; and

 

  any other matters considered by the shareholders in a general meeting and which they have resolved by way of an ordinary resolution to be material and should be adopted by special resolution.

 

All other actions taken by the shareholders, including the appointment and removal of our directors and independent auditors and the declaration of normal dividend payments, will be decided by an ordinary resolution of the shareholders.

 

Our listing agreement with the HKSE provides that we may not permit amendments to certain sections of our Articles of Association that are subject to the Mandatory Provisions. These sections include provisions relating to (i) varying the rights of existing classes of shares, (ii) voting rights, (iii) our ability to purchase our own shares, (iv) rights of minority shareholders and (v) procedures on liquidation. In addition, certain amendments to the Articles of Association require the approval and assent of Chinese authorities.

 

Board of Directors

 

Our Articles of Association authorize up to 19 directors. Directors are elected by shareholders at a general meeting for a three year term from among candidates nominated by the board of directors or by shareholders holding 5% or more of our shares. Because our directors do not serve staggered terms, the entire board of directors will stand for election, and could be replaced, every three years.

 

In addition to obligations imposed by laws, administrative regulations or the listing rules of the stock exchanges on which our shares are listed, the Articles of Association place on each of our directors, supervisors, manager and any other senior officers a duty to each shareholder, in the exercise of our functions and powers entrusted to them:

 

  not to cause us to exceed the scope of business stipulated in our business license;

 

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  to act honestly in what he considers our best interests;

 

  not to expropriate our assets in any way, including (without limitation) usurpation of opportunities which may benefit us; and

 

  not to expropriate the individual rights of shareholders, including (without limitation) rights to distributions and voting rights, except according to a restructuring which has been submitted to the shareholders for their approval in accordance with the Articles of Association.

 

Our Articles of Association further place on each of our directors, supervisors, manager and other senior officers:

 

  a duty, in the exercise of their powers and discharge of their duties, to exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances;

 

  a fiduciary obligation, in the discharge of his duties, not to place himself or herself in a position where his or her interests may conflict with his or her duty to us; and

 

  a duty not to cause a person or an organization related or connected to him or her in specified relationships to do what they are prohibited from doing.

 

We pay all expenses that our directors incur for their services as directors. Directors also receive compensation for their services under service contracts that are negotiated by the supervisory committee and approved by the shareholders.

 

Subject to the stipulations of relevant laws and regulations, the shareholders in a general meeting may by ordinary resolution remove any director before the expiration of his term of office. Except for the restrictions placed on controlling shareholders, discussed below, our shareholders in general meeting have the power to relieve a director, supervisor, manager or senior officer from liability for specific breaches of duty.

 

Cumulative voting is required for election of our directors as long as more than 30% of our outstanding shares are held by a single shareholder. Cumulative voting allows shareholders to cast a number of votes for a candidate equal to the number of shares held times the number of directors being elected at the shareholders’ meeting. If a shareholder attempts to cast more votes than he is entitled to under this system, all of the shareholder’s votes will be invalid and will be deemed an abstention.

 

More than one third of our directors of board must be independent from our shareholders and not hold any office with us (each, “Independent Director”). At least one Independent Director must be an accounting professional and all Independent Directors must possess a basic knowledge of the operations of a listed company and be familiar with relevant laws and rules and have at lease five years working experience in law, economics or other area required for the fulfillment of responsibilities as an Independent Director. Independent Directors may not serve for terms exceeding six years. In addition, there are specific persons who are disqualified from acting as Independent Director. These include:

 

  immediate family of persons who work for us or our associated entities;

 

  persons or their immediate family who hold one percent or more of our shares or are among our ten largest shareholders;

 

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  any persons that satisfied the foregoing conditions within the past one year;

 

  persons providing financial, legal, consultation or other services to us or our associated entities;

 

  persons who already serve as Independent Director for five other listed companies; and

 

  anyone designated by the China Securities Regulatory Commission.

 

If the resignation of an Independent Director would cause our Board of Directors to have less than one third Independent Directors, the resignation will only become effective after a new Independent Director has been appointed.

 

Our Board will be required to meet at least four times each year. Directors who miss two consecutive Board meetings without appointing an alternate director to attend on their behalf will be proposed for removal at the next shareholders’ meeting, provided that Independent Directors may miss three consecutive meetings before being proposed for removal. Otherwise, Independent Directors cannot be removed without cause.

 

Directors may not vote on any matter in which he has a material interest, nor will he be counted for purposes of forming a quorum on such a matter.

 

Board resolutions are passed by a simple majority of the Directors except for the following matters which require the consent of more than two thirds of the Directors:

 

  proposals for our financial policies;

 

  the increase or reduction of our registered capital;

 

  the issue of securities of any kind and their listing;

 

  any repurchase of our shares;

 

  significant acquisition or disposals;

 

  our merger, division or dissolution; and

 

  any amendment to our Articles of Association.

 

Our Board of Directors or Supervisory Committee may nominate candidates for our Board of Directors and Board of Supervisors. In addition, shareholders holding one percent or more of our shares have the right to nominate candidates for Independent Director or Independent Supervisor and shareholders holding five percent or more of our shares have the right to nominate other candidates for Director or Supervisor. For Director candidates, the nominator and candidate will be responsible for providing truthful and complete information about the candidate for disclosure. Candidates for Independent Director must publicly declare that there does not exist any relationship between himself and us that may influence his independent, objective judgment. The China Securities Regulatory Commission may veto any candidate for Independent Director.

 

Our Independent Directors must approve any connected transactions. Connected transactions are those defined by the HKSE and by Chinese rules and regulations, but would generally include transactions with any of the following:

 

  any company that, directly or indirectly, controls us or is under common control with us;

 

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  any shareholders owning 5% or more of our shares;

 

  our directors, supervisors and other senior management;

 

  any of our key technical personnel or key technology suppliers;

 

  any close relative or associate of any of the above

 

Our independent directors can also propose to the Board of Directors the appointment or removal of our auditors, the convening of a Board meeting, independently appoint external auditors, solicit votes from shareholders and report circumstances directly to shareholders, Chinese securities regulatory authorities or other government departments. Two or more may request that the Board convene an extraordinary meeting of shareholders.

 

Our Independent Directors will have to express their opinion on specified matters to the Board or to the shareholders at a shareholders’ meeting, either by a single unanimous statement or individually. These matters are:

 

  the nomination, removal and remuneration of directors or senior management;

 

  any major loans or financial transactions with our shareholders or related enterprises and whether we have taken adequate steps to ensure repayment;

 

  matters that the Independent Director believes may harm the rights and interests of minority shareholders; and

 

  any other matter that they are required to opine on by applicable law or rules.

 

These opinions must be expressed as either, agree, qualified agreement, opposition or unable to form an opinion. All but agreement must also be accompanied by a supporting explanation. If public disclosure of the matter is required, we must also disclose the opinions of our Independent Directors.

 

Any Independent Director may engage independent institutions to provide independent opinions as the basis of their decision. We must arrange the engagement and bear any costs.

 

Board of Supervisors

 

The board of supervisors exists to supervise our directors and our senior officers to prevent them from abusing their positions and powers or infringing our rights and interests or those of our shareholders or employees. The board of supervisors has no power over the decisions or actions of our directors or officers except to compel them to correct any act harmful to our interests. The board of supervisors is currently composed of seven members appointed for a three year term. It has the right to:

 

  attend meetings of our board of directors;

 

  inspect our financial affairs;

 

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  supervise our directors, general manager and other senior officers in order see whether they violate any laws, regulations or the Articles of Association in performing their duties;

 

  require our directors, general manager or other senior officers to correct any act harmful to our interests;

 

  verify financial reports, accounting reports, business reports, profit distribution plans and other financial information proposed to be tabled at the shareholders’ general meeting;

 

  require the board of directors to convene an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders;

 

  represent us in negotiations with directors or in initiating legal proceedings against a director on our behalf; and

 

  any other matters authorized by the Articles of Association.

 

Our board of supervisors must include two employee representatives appointed by our employees. The remaining members are appointed by the shareholders in a general meeting, provided that our directors, general manager and senior officers are not eligible to serve as supervisors. The board of supervisors must meet at least once a year. Decisions of the board of supervisors must be made by a two-thirds vote. We will pay all reasonable expenses incurred by the board of supervisors in appointing professional advisors, such as lawyers, accountants or auditors.

 

Liquidation Rights

 

In the event of our liquidation, payment of debts out of our remaining assets will be made in the order of priority prescribed by applicable laws and regulations. After payment of debts, we will distribute the remaining property to shareholders according to the class and proportion of their shareholdings. For this purpose, the H shares will rank equally with the domestic shares.

 

Liability of Shareholders

 

Shareholders are not liable to make any further contributions to our share capital other than as agreed by the subscriber of the relevant shares on subscription. This provision means that holders of ADRs will also not be liable to make further contributions to our share capital.

 

Duration

 

We are organized as a joint stock limited company of indefinite duration.

 

Increase in Share Capital

 

The Articles of Association require that approval by a resolution of the shareholders be obtained prior to issuing new shares. New issues of shares must also be approved by the relevant Chinese authorities.

 

Reduction of Share Capital and Purchase by Us of Our Shares

 

We may reduce our registered share capital only upon obtaining the approval of the shareholders and, when applicable, relevant Chinese authorities. Repurchases may be made either by way of a general offer to all shareholders in proportion to their shareholdings, by purchasing our shares on a stock exchange or by an off-market contract with individual shareholders.

 

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Restrictions on Large or Controlling Shareholders

 

Our Articles of Association provide that, in addition to any obligation imposed by laws and administrative regulations or required by the listing rules of the stock exchanges on which our shares are listed, a controlling shareholder cannot exercise voting rights in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the shareholders generally or of some part of the shareholders:

 

  to relieve a director or supervisor from his or her duty to act honestly in our best interest;

 

  to approve the expropriation by a director or supervisor (for his or her own benefit or for the benefit of another person) of our assets in any way, including, without limitation, opportunities which may benefit us; or

 

  to approve the expropriation by a director or supervisor (for his or her own benefit or for the benefit of another person) of the individual rights of other shareholders, including, without limitation, rights to distributions and voting rights (but not according to a restructuring of our company which has been submitted for approval by the shareholders in a general meeting in accordance with our Articles of Association).

 

A controlling shareholder, however, will not be precluded by our Articles of Association or any laws and administrative regulations or the listing rules of the stock exchanges on which our shares are listed from voting on these matters.

 

A controlling shareholder is defined by our Articles of Association as any person who, acting alone or together with others:

 

  has the power to elect more than one-half of the board of directors;

 

  has the power to exercise, or to control the exercise of, 30% or more of our voting rights;

 

  holds 30% or more of our issued and outstanding shares; or

 

  has de facto control of us in any other way.

 

Minutes, Accounts and Annual Report

 

Our shareholders may inspect copies of the minutes of the shareholders’ general meetings during our business hours free of charge. Shareholders are also entitled to receive copies of these minutes within seven days of receipt of the reasonable charges we may require.

 

Our fiscal year is the calendar year ending December 31. Each fiscal year, we must mail our financial report to shareholders not less than 21 days before the date of the shareholders’ annual general meeting. These and any interim financial statements must be prepared in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and, for so long as H shares are listed on the HKSE, must also be prepared in accordance with or reconciled to either Hong Kong accounting standards or international accounting standards. The financial statements must be approved by an ordinary resolution of the shareholders at the annual general meeting.

 

Independent auditors are appointed each year by the shareholders at the annual meeting.

 

C. Material Contracts.

 

None.

 

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D. Exchange Controls.

 

Our Articles of Association require that cash dividends on our H Shares be declared in Renminbi and paid in HK dollars. The Articles of Association further stipulate that such dividends must be converted to HK dollars at a rate equal to the average of the closing exchange rates for HK dollars as announced by the Chinese Foreign Exchange Trading Center for the calendar week preceding the date on which the dividends are declared.

 

The Renminbi currently is not a freely convertible currency. The Chinese government imposes control over its foreign currency reserves in part through direct regulation of the conversion of Renminbi into foreign exchange, through control of foreign debts borrowed by domestic enterprises and through restrictions on foreign imports. The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (“SAFE”), under supervision of the People’s Bank of China (“PBOC”), is responsible for matters relating to foreign exchange administration.

 

Foreign exchange transactions involving Renminbi must take place either through financial institutions authorized to undertake foreign exchange conversion transactions, such as Chinese state-owned or foreign banks. Access to foreign exchange, and the ability to remit foreign exchange abroad are regulated by Chinese government policies administered by the SAFE.

 

Effective January 1, 1994, a unitary, managed floating-rate system was introduced in China to replace the previous dual-track foreign exchange system consisting of two exchange rates. Under this system, the PBOC sets and publishes the PBOC Rate each day, with reference to the prior day’s Renminbi-US dollar trading price on the national inter-bank foreign exchange market, called the China Foreign Exchange Trading System (“CFETS”). At present, certain State-designated banks, foreign banks and Chinese funded non-banking financial institutions, connected through a computer network, are the principal parties participating in the CFETS. The main function of the CFETS is to provide foreign exchange trading and settlement services among the participating members. Based on the PBOC Rate, each participating member sets its own exchange rate for the purpose of buying and selling foreign exchange from or to its customers. The CFETS is supervised and managed by the SAFE in accordance with PBOC policy.

 

As a result of the adoption of the unitary system, on January 1, 1994, the official exchange rate of approximately RMB5.8 to US$1.00 was revalued to approximately RMB8.7 to US$ 1.00. As part of the new system, the PBOC also publishes the Renminbi rate of exchange against other major currencies by reference to the price of the US dollar in international foreign exchange markets.

 

The Chinese government announced a policy in late December 1993 that, under the unitary system, the PBOC would try to balance the demand for and supply of foreign currencies in China and stabilize the Renminbi exchange rate mainly through macroeconomic measures, such as monetary policy and interest rates. Nonetheless, if necessary, government intervention is expected to be used to stabilize the PBOC Rate.

 

Domestic enterprises, which prior to 1994 had been permitted to retain a portion of their foreign currency earnings, are now required to sell all of their foreign currency earnings to State-designated banks at the rate used by the relevant CFETS member, which is based on the PBOC Rate, except for such items as the proceeds of foreign currency loans or the issuance of foreign currency-denominated bonds or shares. All international commercial loans borrowed by domestic enterprises have to be registered with the SAFE before the loans become effective. Under the new system, domestic enterprises and institutions are permitted to buy foreign exchange from State-designated banks at designated times upon presentation of appropriate documentation establishing the existence of import contracts or payment

 

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notes of overseas financial institutions. Such enterprises and institutions also are permitted under the new system to purchase foreign exchange for the import of certain products subject to quotas, import permits and registration controls. Domestic enterprises are permitted to apply to purchase foreign exchange for the payment of dividends that have been authorized as payable in foreign currency. Conversion and payment are to be effected on the basis of a written resolution on profit distribution passed by the enterprise’s board of directors and evidence that the enterprise has paid all required Chinese taxes.

 

While the impact of the foregoing developments are not entirely clear, it appears that the trend in the Chinese government’s foreign exchange policy is toward easier convertibility of the Renminbi.

 

The holders of the ADSs will receive the HK dollar dividend payments in US dollars at conversion rates related to market rates and subject to fees as set forth in our Deposit Agreement with The Bank of New York, as Depositary. Since October 17, 1983, the HK dollar has been linked to the US dollar at the rate of HK$7.80 = US$1.00, and the Hong Kong government has stated its intention to maintain the link at that rate, although there can be no guarantee that the link will be maintained.

 

E. Taxation

 

PRC Taxation

 

The following is a summary of those taxes, including withholding provisions, to which United States security holders are subject under existing Chinese laws and regulations. The summary is subject to changes in Chinese law, including changes that could have retroactive effect. The summary does not take into account or discuss the tax laws of any country other than China, nor does it take into account the individual circumstances of a security holder. This summary does not purport to be a complete technical analysis or an examination of all potential tax effects under such laws and regulations.

 

Tax on Dividends

 

For an Individual Investor

 

According to the Individual Income Tax Law of the People’s Republic of China of October 31, 1993, as amended (the “Individual Income Tax Law”) dividends paid by Chinese companies to foreign individuals not resident in China are ordinarily subject to Chinese withholding tax at a flat rate of 20%.

 

However, pursuant to the Notice Concerning the Taxation of Gains on Transfer and Dividends from Shares (Equities) Received by Foreign Investment Enterprises, Foreign Enterprises and Foreign Individuals (the “Tax Notice”), issued by the State Tax Bureau (now the State Administration of Taxation or “SAT”) on July 21, 1993, dividends paid by Chinese companies, with respect to their shares listed on an overseas stock exchange (“Overseas Shares”), such as H Shares (including H Shares represented by ADSs), or on domestically-listed foreign invested shares (“B Shares”), to foreign individuals not resident in China, are temporarily exempt from Chinese withholding tax. The Tax Notice remains in force and the relevant tax authority has thus far not collected withholding tax on dividends paid by Chinese companies, with respect to their Overseas Shares and B Shares, to foreign individuals not resident in China.

 

In the event that the Tax Notice is withdrawn, a 20% withholding tax may be imposed in accordance with the Individual Income Tax Law and the Rate Reduction Notice, subject to reduction by an applicable income tax treaty.

 

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For a Corporation

 

According to the Income Tax Law of the People’s Republic of China for Enterprises with Foreign Investment and Foreign Enterprises of April 9, 1991, as amended (the “Foreign Corporate Income Tax Law”), dividends paid by Chinese companies to foreign corporations are ordinarily subject to Chinese withholding tax at a flat rate of 20%.

 

However, pursuant to the Tax Notice, dividends paid by Chinese companies, with respect to their Overseas Shares and B Shares, to foreign corporations are temporarily exempt from Chinese withholding tax. Again, the Tax Notice remains in force and the relevant tax authority has thus far not collected withholding tax on dividends paid by Chinese companies, on their Overseas Shares and B Shares, to foreign corporations.

 

In the event that the Tax Notice is withdrawn, a 20% withholding tax may be imposed in accordance with the Foreign Corporate Income Tax Law and the Rate Reduction Notice, subject to reduction by an applicable income tax treaty.

 

Capital Gains Tax

 

According to the Individual Income Tax Law, the Foreign Corporate Income Tax Law, their respective implementing regulations, and the Notice on Questions Relating to Reduced Income Tax on Foreign Enterprise Income in China from Interest, etc., issued by the State Council on November 18, 2000 (the “Rate Reduction Notice”), capital gains recognized by foreign individuals not resident in China and foreign corporations, with respect to their sale of equity shares of Chinese companies, are ordinarily subject to Chinese tax, purportedly in the form of withholding tax, at a flat rate of 20% and 10% respectively.

 

However, pursuant to the Tax Notice, capital gains recognized by foreign individuals not resident in China and foreign corporations, with respect to their sale of Overseas Shares and B Shares are temporarily exempt from Chinese tax. As discussed above, the Tax Notice remains in force and the relevant tax authority has thus far not sought to collect Chinese tax on capital gains recognized by foreign individuals not resident in China and foreign corporations with respect to their sale of Overseas Shares and B Shares.

 

In the event that the Tax Notice is withdrawn, Chinese tax, at a rate of 20% for individuals or 10% for corporations may be imposed in accordance with the Individual Income Tax Law, the Corporate Income Tax Law, their respective implementing regulations and the Rate Reduction Notice, subject to reduction by an applicable income tax treaty.

 

Tax Treaties

 

China has an income tax treaty with the United States that currently limits the rate of Chinese withholding tax to 10% for dividends we pay to individuals and corporations that qualify for treaty protection. However, this treaty does not offer protection for capital gains. Since the Tax Notice remains in force to temporarily exempt dividends and capital gains from the Chinese taxes described above, this treaty is not relevant at this time.

 

Stamp Tax

 

Chinese stamp tax is not applicable to the acquisition or disposition of shares in a Chinese company made outside of China pursuant to the Provisional Regulations of the People’s Republic of China Concerning Stamp Tax effective on July 1, 1989.

 

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Estate or Gift Tax

 

China does not currently impose any estate or gift tax.

 

U.S. Taxation

 

The following is a summary of United States federal income tax considerations that are relevant to US Holders (as defined below) who hold H shares or ADSs. This summary is based upon existing United States federal income tax law, which is subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This summary does not discuss all aspects of United States federal income taxation that may be important to particular US Holders in light of their individual investment circumstances, such as investors subject to special tax rules, including: financial institutions, insurance companies, broker-dealers, tax-exempt organizations, partnerships and other flow-through entities, and, except as described below, non-US Holders, or to persons that hold H shares or ADSs as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion, or constructive sale transaction for United States federal income tax purposes or that have a functional currency other than the United States dollar, all of whom may be subject to tax rules that differ significantly from those summarized below. In addition, this summary does not discuss any estate, gift, foreign, state, or local tax considerations. This summary assumes that US Holders hold their H shares or ADSs as “capital assets” (generally, property held for investment) under the United States Internal Revenue Code.

 

In general, for US federal income tax purposes and for purposes of the income tax treaty between China and the United States, beneficial owners of ADSs will be treated as the beneficial owners of the H shares represented by those ADSs. Accordingly, no gain or loss will be recognized upon the exchange of an ADS for the holder’s proportionate interest in the H shares. A US Holder’s tax basis in the withdrawn H shares will be the same as the tax basis in the ADSs surrendered therefore, and the holding period in the withdrawn H shares will include the period during which the holder held the surrendered ADSs.

 

For purposes of this summary, a US Holder is a beneficial owner of H shares or ADSs that is for United States federal income tax purposes:

 

  An individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;

 

  A corporation or other entity treated as a corporation that is created in or organized under the laws of the United States or any State or political subdivision thereof;

 

  An estate the income of which is includible in gross income for United States federal income tax purposes regardless of its source;

 

  A trust the administration of which is subject to the primary supervision of a United States court and which has one or more United States persons who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust;

 

  A trust that was in existence on August 20, 1996, was treated as a United States person for United States federal income tax purposes on the previous day, and elected to continue to be so treated; or

 

  A person otherwise subject to US federal income tax on its worldwide income.

 

The treatment of a partner of a partnership (or of an entity treated as a partnership for US federal income tax purposes) as a US Holder may depend upon the status of the partner as a US Holder (irrespective of the status of the partnership) and upon the nature and activities of the partnership. Partners of partnerships (or of entities treated as partnerships for US federal income tax purposes) holding H shares or ADSs should consult their tax advisors as to the tax consequences of purchasing, owning or disposing of such H shares or ADSs.

 

A beneficial owner of H shares or ADSs that is not a US Holder is referred to herein as a “Non-US Holder.” Except as specifically addressed below, this discussion does not address any tax

 

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consequences to Non-US Holders of the ownership or disposition of the H shares or ADSs. Non-US Holders should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences to them of owning and disposing of the H shares and ADSs.

 

A foreign corporation will be treated as a “passive foreign investment company” (a “PFIC”), for United States federal income tax purposes, if 75% or more of its gross income consists of certain types of “passive” income or 50% or more of its assets are passive. We presently believe that we are not a PFIC and do not anticipate becoming a PFIC. This is, however, a factual determination made on an annual basis and is subject to change. The following discussion assumes that we will not be subject to treatment as a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes.

 

Taxation of Dividends

 

For US federal income tax purposes, the gross amount of a distribution in respect of H shares or ADSs owned by a US Holder, including any amounts of Chinese tax withheld on the distribution, will be treated as dividend income to such US Holder to the extent paid out of current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for US federal income tax purposes. That dividend income will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to corporations under Section 243 of the US Code. To the extent the distribution exceeds the US Holder’s allocable share of current and accumulated earnings and profits, the excess will be applied first to reduce the US Holder’s basis in his or her H shares or ADSs, and any remaining excess would constitute gain from the deemed sale or exchange of such H shares or ADSs. See “Sale or Other Disposition of H shares or ADSs” below.

 

Dividends paid in Hong Kong dollars will be included in the income of a US Holder in a US dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date of receipt thereof by the depositary, in the case of ADSs, or by the US Holder, in the case of H shares held directly by such US Holder, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into US dollars. If the dividends paid in Hong Kong dollars are converted into US dollars on the date of receipt by the depositary, in the case of ADSs, or by the US Holder, in the case of H shares held directly by such US Holder, US Holders generally should not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income. In the case of dividends paid in Hong Kong dollars that are not converted into US dollars on the date of receipt, the amount of Hong Kong dollars received will have a tax basis equal to their US dollar value at the time of receipt, and any gain or loss realized upon a subsequent conversion or other disposition of the Hong Kong dollar amount will be treated as ordinary income or loss from sources within the United States.

 

Dividends received on H shares or ADSs will be treated, for US federal income tax purposes, as foreign source income. A US Holder may be eligible, subject to a number of complex limitations, to claim a foreign tax credit in respect of any Chinese withholding taxes imposed on such dividends. US Holders who do not elect to claim a foreign tax credit for foreign income tax withheld may instead claim a deduction, for United States federal income tax purposes, in respect of such withholdings, but only for a year in which the US Holder elects to do so for all creditable foreign income taxes. As discussed in “Chinese Taxation – Tax on Dividends,” no Chinese withholding tax currently is imposed in respect of dividends on the H shares and ADSs, although Chinese withholding taxes could be imposed in the future.

 

Sale or Other Disposition of H shares or ADSs

 

A US Holder will recognize capital gain or loss upon the sale or other disposition of H shares or ADSs in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized upon the disposition and the US Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such H shares or ADSs, as each is determined in US dollars. Any capital gain or loss will be long-term if the H shares or ADSs have been held for more than one year and will generally be United States source gain or loss. The claim of a deduction in respect of a capital loss, for United States federal income tax purposes, may be subject to limitations.

 

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Backup Withholding

 

Proceeds from the sale of, and dividends on, the ADSs or H shares paid within the United States or through certain US-related financial intermediaries are subject to information reporting and may be subject to backup withholding at the rate of 28% unless the US Holder (1) is a corporation or other exempt recipient or (2) provides a taxpayer identification number and certifies that no loss of exemption from backup withholding has occurred. Any amount withheld from a payment to a US Holder under the backup withholding rules will be allowable as a credit against such US Holder’s US federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is furnished to the US Internal Revenue Service.

 

US Holders should consult their own tax advisor as to the application of the US federal information reporting and backup withholding requirements to them and their qualification, if any, for an exemption under these rules.

 

Non-US Holders

 

An investment in H shares or ADSs by a Non-US Holder will not give rise to any US federal income tax consequences unless:

 

  the dividends received or gain recognized on the sale of H shares or ADSs by such person is treated as effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business by such person in the United States as determined under United States federal income tax law; or

 

  in the case of gains recognized on a sale of H shares or ADSs by an individual, such individual is present in the United States for 183 days or more and certain other conditions are met.

 

In order to avoid backup withholding on dividend payments made in the United States, a Non-US Holder of the H shares or ADSs may be required to complete, and provide the payer with, an Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN, or other documentary evidence, certifying that such holder is an exempt foreign person.

 

This discussion, which does not address any aspects of US taxation other than US federal income taxation relevant to US Holders of Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Company Limited H shares or ADRs, is of a general nature only and is not intended to be and should not be constructed to be, legal or tax advice to any US Holder and no representation with respect to those tax consequences to any particular US Holder is made. DUE TO THE INDIVIDUAL NATURE OF TAX CONSEQUENCES, US HOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF OWNING AND DISPOSING OF H SHARES AND ADSs, INCLUDING THE EFFECTS OF US FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES.

 

F. Dividends and Paying Agents.

 

Not applicable.

 

G. Statement by Experts.

 

Not applicable.

 

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H. Documents on Display.

 

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). In accordance with these requirements, we file reports with and submit other information to the Securities and Exchange Commission. These materials, including this annual report and the exhibits hereto, may be inspected and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the Commission’s regional office at The Woolworth Building, 233 Broadway, New York, NY 10279. Copies of the materials may be obtained from the Public Reference Room at prescribed rates. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Commission’s Public Reference Room by calling the Commission in the United States at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, this information can be obtained from the web site of the Commission: http:\\www.sec.gov.

 

I. Subsidiary Information.

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

 

Interest Rate Sensitivity

 

We are subject to risk resulting from fluctuations in interest rates. Our debts are fixed and variable rate bank and other loans, with original maturities ranging from 1 to 13 years. Accordingly, fluctuations in interest rates can lead to significant fluctuations in the fair value of such debt instruments. We have no program of interest rate hedging activities and did not engage in any of such activities in 2003 and 2002.

 

The following table provides information, by maturity date, regarding our interest rate sensitive financial instruments, which consist of fixed and variable rate short-term and long-term debt obligations, as of December 31, 2003 and 2002.

 

    As of December 31, 2003

    2004

    2005

    2006

    2007

    2008

    Thereafter

 

Total

Recorded
Amount


    Fair Value

    (RMB equivalent in thousands, except interest rates)

Fixed rate bank and other loans

                                           

In U.S. Dollars

  52,644     14,673     14,673     14,673     12,929     —     109,592     107,102

Average interest rate

  4.74 %   1.50 %   1.50 %   1.50 %   1.50 %   —     3.06 %   —  

In Japanese Yen

  23,188     —       —       —       —       —     23,188     24,472

Average interest rate

  5.70 %   —       —       —       —       —     5.70 %   —  

Variable rate bank and other loans

                                           

In U.S. Dollars

  3,201,723     —       —       —       —       —     3,201,723     3,201,723

Average interest rate (1)

  1.81 %   —       —       —       —       —     1.81 %   —  

In RMB

  2,189,100     1,760,000     1,220,000     24,500     —       —     5,193,600     5,193,600

Average interest rate (1)

  4.97 %   5.09 %   5.24 %   5.58 %   —       —     5.07 %   —  

 

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    As of December 31, 2002

    2003

    2004

    2005

    2006

    2007

    Thereafter

   

Total

Recorded

Amount


    Fair Value

    (RMB equivalent in thousands, except interest rates)

Fixed rate bank and other loans

                                             

In U.S. Dollars

  37,948     37,944     14,899     14,899     14,899     7,452     128,041     126,114

Average interest rate

  4.29 %   4.29 %   1.50 %   1.50 %   1.50 %   1.50 %   3.15 %   —  

In Japanese Yen

  35,622     24,740     —       —       —       —       60,362     63,704

Average interest rate

  5.70 %   5.70 %   —       —       —       —       5.70 %   —  

Variable rate bank and other loans

                                             

In U.S. Dollars

  1,559,377     44,376     2,231     2,231     2,231     17,859     1,628,305     1,628,305

Average interest rate (1)

  2.35 %   2.45 %   2.37 %   2.37 %   2.37 %   2.37 %   2.36 %   —  

In RMB

  2,172,330     1,332,650     1,834,833     1,044,833     44,834     —       6,429,480     6,429,480

Average interest rate (1)

  5.88 %   5.55 %   5.18 %   5.74 %   5.58 %   —       5.59 %   —  

(1) The average interest rates for variable rate bank and other loans are calculated based on the year end indices.

 

Exchange Rate Sensitivity

 

We are also exposed to foreign exchange rate risk as a result of its foreign currency denominated long-term debt and, to a limited extent, cash and cash equivalents denominated in foreign currencies. We have no program of foreign currency hedging activities and engaged no foreign currency hedging activities in 2003 and 2002.

 

The following table provides information, by maturity date, regarding our foreign exchange rate sensitive financial instruments, which consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term debt obligations as of December 31, 2003 and 2002.

 

    As of December 31, 2003

    2004

    2005

    2006

    2007

    2008

    Thereafter

 

Total

Recorded
Amount


    Fair Value

    (RMB equivalent in thousands, except interest rates)

On-balance sheet financial instruments

                                           

Cash and cash equivalents:

                                           

In Hong Kong Dollars

  36,624     —       —       —       —       —     36,624     36,624

In U.S. Dollars

  55,700     —       —       —       —       —     55,700     55,700

In Swiss Francs

  861     —       —       —       —       —     861     861

Debt:

                                           

Fixed rate bank and other loans

                                           

In U.S. Dollars

  52,644     14,673     14,673     14,673     12,929     —     109,592     107,102

Average interest rate

  4.74 %   1.50 %   1.50 %   1.50 %   1.50 %   —     3.06 %   —  

In Japanese Yen

  23,188     —       —       —       —       —     23,188     24,472

Average interest rate

  5.70 %   —       —       —       —       —     5.7 %   —  

Variable rate bank and other loans

                                           

In U.S. Dollars

  3,201,723     —       —       —       —       —     3,201,723     3,201,723

Average interest rate (1)

  1.81 %   —       —       —       —       —     1.81 %   —  

Interest free bank and other loans

                                           

In U.S. Dollars

  4,137     —       —       —       —       —     4,137     4,137

 

78


Table of Contents
     As of December 31, 2002

     2003

    2004

    2005

    2006

    2007

    Thereafter

    Total
Recorded
Amount


    Fair Value

     (RMB equivalent in thousands, except interest rates)

On-balance sheet financial instruments

                                              

Cash and cash equivalents:

                                              

In Hong Kong Dollars

   25,325     —       —       —       —       —       25,325     25,325

In U.S. Dollars

   21,075     —       —       —       —       —       21,075     21,075

In Swiss Francs

   771     —       —       —       —       —       771     771

In Euro

   32,019     —       —       —       —       —       32,019     32,019

Debt:

                                              

Fixed rate bank and other loans

                                              

In U.S. Dollars

   37,948     37,944     14,899     14,899     14,899     7,452     128,041     126,114

Average interest rate

   4.29 %   4.29 %   1.50 %   1.50 %   1.50 %   1.50 %   3.15 %   —  

In Japanese Yen

   35,622     24,740     —       —       —       —       60,362     63,704

Average interest rate

   5.70 %   5.70 %   —       —       —       —       5.70 %   —  

Variable rate bank and other loans

                                              

In U.S. Dollars

   1,559,377     44,376     2,231     2,231     2,231     17,859     1,628,305     1,628,305

Average interest rate (1)

   2.35 %   2.45 %   2.37 %   2.37 %   2.37 %   2.37 %   2.36 %   —  

Interest free bank and other loans

                                              

In U.S. Dollars

   9,931     4,134     —       —       —       —       14,065     14,065

(1) The average interest rates for variable rate bank and other loans are calculated based on the year end indices.

 

ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES.

 

Not applicable.

 

PART II.

 

ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES.

 

None.

 

ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

 

None.

 

ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

A. Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

 

The term “disclosure controls and procedures” is defined in Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c) of the Exchange Act. These rules refer to the controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within required time periods. This includes controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer or officers and principal financial officer or officers, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

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We maintain a written policy adopted by our board of directors that governs the collection, coordination and disclosure of information to our shareholders, the public and to governmental and other regulatory bodies. All such disclosures are coordinated by the Secretary and subject to execution by either the Chairman of the Board or, for disclosures by our Supervisory Board, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board. Under the policy, all material issues must be disclosed and our disclosures must be true, accurate, complete and timely without any false or misleading statements. Each of our departments and subsidiaries have their own supplemental policies which may be both written and unwritten.

 

Our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days before the filing of this report (the “Evaluation Date”), and they have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, such controls and procedures were effective at ensuring that required information will be disclosed on a timely basis in our reports filed under the Exchange Act.

 

Subsequent to the date of the evaluation described above, we have not made any significant changes, including corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies or material weaknesses, in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls.

 

Although we believe our existing disclosure controls and procedures are adequate to enable us to comply with our disclosure obligations, we do not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our other internal controls can prevent all error and all fraud or that our evaluation of these controls and procedures can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. The benefits of controls and procedures must be considered relative to their costs, and the design of any system of controls is based in part upon assumptions about the likelihood of future events. There can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls and procedures may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of these and other inherent limitations in controls and procedures, misstatements or omissions due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. In part to mitigate this risk, we plan to further refine our controls and procedures in light of developing practice in this area and emerging standards and mandatory rules.

 

B. Changes in internal controls.

 

We maintain a system of internal accounting controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that our books and records accurately reflect our transactions and that our established policies and procedures are carefully followed. For the year ended December 31, 2003, there were no significant changes to our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect our internal controls and we have not identified any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal controls.

 

ITEM 16A AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

 

We currently have an audit committee financial expert, Chen Xinyuan, serving on our audit committee and he is an independent director as defined in 17 CFR 240.10A-3.

 

ITEM 16B CODE OF ETHICS

 

We have not adopted a code of ethics as defined by the applicable U.S. securities regulations that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions since it is not a customary practice for a PRC company to adopt such code of ethics.

 

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ITEM 16C PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The following table summarizes the fees charged by KPMG, our principal accountant, for certain services rendered to us during 2002 and 2003.

 

    

For the year ended

December 31,


     (in thousands of US$)

     2002

   2003

Audit fees (1)

   $ 550    $ 550

Audit-related fees (2)

     —        —  

Tax fees (3)

     —        —  

All other fees (4)

     —        —  

Total

   $ 550    $ 550

(1) “Audit fees” means the aggregate fees billed in each of the fiscal years listed for professional services rendered by our principal auditors for the audit of our annual financial statements.
(2) “Audit-related fees” means the aggregate fees billed in each of the fiscal years listed for assurance and related services rendered by our principal auditors for the audit of our financial information.
(3) “Tax fees” means the aggregate fees billed in each of the fiscal years listed for professional services rendered by our principal auditors for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.
(4) “All other fees” means the aggregate fees billed in each of the fiscal years listed for products and services provided by the our principal accountant, other than the services reported under audit fees, audit-related fees and tax fees.

 

Audit Committee Pre-approval Policies and Procedures

 

Our audit committee has adopted procedures which set forth the manner in which the committee will review and approve all audit and non-audit services to be provided by KPMG. The pre-approval procedures are as follows:

 

  Any audit or non-audit service to be provided to us by the independent accountant must be (i) pre-approved by the audit committee; or (ii) pre-approved by one or several committee members designated by the committee and rectified by the audit committee.

 

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Table of Contents

PART III.

 

ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

We have elected to provide the financial statements and related information specified in Item 18 in lieu of the information called for by this Item 17.

 

ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

See pages F-1 to F-53 incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 19. EXHIBITS

 

12.1   Certification of Chairman Required by Rule 13a-14(a)
12.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(a)
13.1   Certification of Chairman Required by Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code
13.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code

 

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SIGNATURES

 

The registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

    SINOPEC SHANGHAI PETROCHEMICAL COMPANY LIMITED
Date: June 17 , 2004  

/s/ Lu Yiping


    Lu Yiping, Chairman

 

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SINOPEC SHANGHAI PETROCHEMICAL COMPANY LIMITED

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Report of Independent Public Accounting Firm

   F-1

Consolidated Balance Sheets

    As of December 31, 2002 and 2003

   F-2

Consolidated Statements of Income

    Years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003

   F-3

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

    Years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003

   F-4

Notes to Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   F-5

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

    Years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003

   F-6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-7

 


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

Report of Independent Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Company Limited:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Company Limited and subsidiaries (the “Group”) as of December 31, 2002 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, cash flows, and shareholders’ equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003, all expressed in Renminbi. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Group’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Company Limited and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards promulgated by the International Accounting Standards Board.

 

International Financial Reporting Standards vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in Note 28 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2003 have been translated into United States dollars solely for the convenience of the readers. We have audited the translation and, in our opinion, the consolidated financial statements expressed in Renminbi have been translated into United States dollars on the basis set forth in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

KPMG

 

Hong Kong, China

March 26, 2004

 

F - 1


Table of Contents

SINOPEC SHANGHAI PETROCHEMICAL COMPANY LIMITED

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

As of December 31, 2002 and 2003

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

         

December 31,


          2002

   2003

   2003

     Note    Renminbi    Renminbi    U.S. Dollars

Assets

                   

Current assets:

                   

Cash and cash equivalents

        1,660,531    1,840,351    222,354

Time deposits with maturity over three months

        84,095    165,885    20,042

Inventories

   12    3,293,138    3,504,259    423,389

Amounts due from related companies

   25    151,635    418,440    50,556

Trade debtors, net

   13    424,126    472,117    57,042

Bills receivable

        518,715    1,214,465    146,733

Other debtors and prepayments

   14    838,804    406,521    49,117

Income tax recoverable

        2,669    2,385    288
         
  
  

Total current assets

        6,973,713    8,024,423    969,521

Non-current assets:

                   

Property, plant and equipment, net

   15    15,809,493    16,020,104    1,935,568

Construction in progress

   15    896,798    385,373    46,561

Lease prepayments

        550,459    540,882    65,350

Interests in associates

   16    1,044,217    1,370,339    165,566

Investments

   17    734,497    688,837    83,226

Deferred tax assets

     9    27,431    35,660    4,308

Goodwill

   18    49,311    35,863    4,333
         
  
  

Total non-current assets

        19,112,206    19,077,058    2,304,912
         
  
  

Total assets

        26,085,919    27,101,481    3,274,433
         
  
  

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

                   

Current liabilities:

                   

Bank loans

   20    3,872,315    5,444,729    657,838

Loans from a related company

   20    130,000    130,000    15,707

Amounts due to related companies

   25    615,487    780,222    94,267

Trade creditors

        858,398    1,033,107    124,821

Bills payable

        800,068    238,583    28,826

Accrued expenses and other creditors

        771,214    776,449    93,811

Income tax payable

        26,468    78,950    9,539
         
  
  

Total current liabilities

        7,073,950    8,482,040    1,024,809

Non-current liabilities:

                   

Deferred income

   19    74,111    49,467    5,977

Bank loans

   20    4,590,891    3,206,848    387,455
         
  
  

Total non-current liabilities

        4,665,002    3,256,315    393,432
         
  
  

Total liabilities

        11,738,952    11,738,355    1,418,241

Minority interests

        366,771    341,240    41,229

Shareholders’ equity

                   

Share capital

   21    7,200,000    7,200,000    869,912

Share premium and reserves

   22    6,780,196    7,821,886    945,051
         
  
  

Total shareholders’ equity

        13,980,196    15,021,886    1,814,963
         
  
  

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

        26,085,919    27,101,481    3,274,433
         
  
  

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F - 2


Table of Contents

SINOPEC SHANGHAI PETROCHEMICAL COMPANY LIMITED

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Statements of Income

 

Years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003

 

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

          Years ended December 31,

 
          2001

    2002

    2003

    2003

 
     Note    Renminbi     Renminbi     Renminbi     U.S. Dollars  

Sales

   3      20,197,396       22,322,896       29,567,140       3,572,335  

Less Business taxes and surcharges

          (579,630 )     (599,927 )     (624,457 )     (75,448 )
         


 


 


 


Net sales

          19,617,766       21,722,969       28,942,683       3,496,887  

Cost of sales

   4      (18,803,044 )     (19,853,928 )     (26,396,224 )     (3,189,220 )
         


 


 


 


            814,722       1,869,041       2,546,459       307,667  

Selling and administrative expenses

          (363,218 )     (421,208 )     (444,703 )     (53,730 )
         


 


 


 


            451,504       1,447,833       2,101,756       253,937  

Other operating income

   5      160,022       136,631       121,079       14,629  

Other operating expenses

   6      (217,341 )     (154,835 )     (216,432 )     (26,150 )
         


 


 


 


Income from operations

          394,185       1,429,629       2,006,403       242,416  

Share of (losses)/ profits of associates

          (20,630 )     16,065       (24,017 )     (2,902 )

Net financing costs

   8      (227,758 )     (400,656 )     (392,021 )     (47,364 )
         


 


 


 


Income before income tax and minority interests

          145,797       1,045,038       1,590,365       192,150  

Income tax

   9      (1,156 )     (84,494 )     (145,065 )     (17,527 )
         


 


 


 


Income before minority interests

          144,641       960,544       1,445,300       174,623  

Minority interests

          (28,592 )     (44,179 )     (43,610 )     (5,269 )
         


 


 


 


Net income

          116,049       916,365       1,401,690       169,354  
         


 


 


 


Basic earnings per share

   11    RMB 0.016     RMB 0.127     RMB 0.195     USD 0.024  
         


 


 


 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F - 3


Table of Contents

SINOPEC SHANGHAI PETROCHEMICAL COMPANY LIMITED

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

         Years ended December 31,

 
         2001

    2002

    2003

    2003

 
         Renminbi     Renminbi     Renminbi     U.S. Dollars  

Net cash provided by operating activities

  (a)    2,387,891     1,798,320     2,276,957     275,105  
        

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

                            

Interest income received

       40,909     25,323     27,419     3,313  

Investment income received

       41,632     47,635     49,087     5,931  

Capital expenditure

       (4,358,176 )   (2,404,293 )   (1,284,868 )   (155,239 )

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment

       8,339     23,764     40,985     4,952  

Purchase of investments

       (455,638 )   (269,430 )   (465,109 )   (56,195 )

Cash acquired from acquisition of subsidiary

       —       —       76,215     9,208  

Sale of investments

       47,018     42,516     59,437     7,181  

Increase in time deposits

       (40,815 )   (84,095 )   (191,285 )   (23,111 )

Maturity of time deposits

       28,000     40,815     109,495     13,229  
        

 

 

 

Cash used in investing activities

       (4,688,731 )   (2,577,765 )   (1,578,624 )   (190,731 )
        

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

                            

Proceeds from loans

       5,726,169     7,575,168     7,490,040     904,955  

Repayment of loans

       (3,206,184 )   (6,551,874 )   (7,619,254 )   (920,567 )

Dividends paid

       (432,000 )   —       (360,000 )   (43,496 )

Dividends paid to minority interests

       (1,047 )   (35,206 )   (29,532 )   (3,568 )

Capital contribution from minority interests

       50,000     —       —       —    
        

 

 

 

Cash provided from / (used in) financing activities

       2,136,938     988,088     (518,746 )   (62,676 )
        

 

 

 

Net (decrease)/ increase in cash and cash equivalents

       (163,902 )   208,643     179,587     21,698  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

       1,612,197     1,446,678     1,660,531     200,627  

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

       (1,617 )   5,210     233     29  
        

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

       1,446,678     1,660,531     1,840,351     222,354  
        

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F - 4


Table of Contents

SINOPEC SHANGHAI PETROCHEMICAL COMPANY LIMITED

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

(a) Reconciliation of income before income tax and minority interests to cash generated from operations

 

     Years ended December 31,

 
     2001

    2002

    2003

    2003

 
     Renminbi     Renminbi     Renminbi     U.S. Dollars  

Income before income tax and minority interests

   145,797     1,045,038     1,590,365     192,150  

Interest income

   (40,719 )   (25,015 )   (27,419 )   (3,313 )

Investment income

   (44,727 )   (36,505 )   (18,059 )   (2,182 )

Share of losses/ (profits) of associates

   20,630     (16,065 )   24,017     2,902  

Interest expense

   278,093     421,747     415,935     50,254  

Depreciation

   1,359,642     1,585,823     1,850,013     223,521  

Provision for impairment loss

   —       —       24,600     2,972  

Amortization of lease prepayments

   —       14,518     22,822     2,757  

Amortization of goodwill

   13,448     13,448     13,448     1,625  

Amortization of deferred income

   (14,822 )   (14,822 )   (12,367 )   (1,494 )

Unrealized exchange (gain) / loss

   (12,601 )   (5,086 )   884     107  

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

   15,444     85,134     57,571     6,956  

Movement in inventories

   617,365     (503,822 )   (120,589 )   (14,571 )

Movement in debtors, bills receivable and deposits

   (72,214 )   80,792     (345,974 )   (41,801 )

Movement in creditors, other creditors and bills payable

   745,906     (200,269 )   (478,758 )   (57,844 )

Movement in balances with parent companies and fellow subsidiaries

   (144,096 )   (96,095 )   (199,496 )   (24,103 )
    

 

 

 

Cash generated from operations

   2,867,146     2,348,821     2,796,993     337,936  

Interest paid

   (450,846 )   (524,254 )   (415,684 )   (50,223 )

Income tax paid

   (47,727 )   (50,344 )   (147,352 )   (17,803 )

Income tax refunded

   19,318     24,097     43,000     5,195  
    

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   2,387,891     1,798,320     2,276,957     275,105  
    

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F - 5


Table of Contents

SINOPEC SHANGHAI PETROCHEMICAL COMPANY LIMITED

AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

 

Years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003

 

(Amounts in thousands)

 

          Share capital

   Share premium

   Reserves

   

Retained

earnings


   

Total

shareholders’

equity


 
     Note    Renminbi    Renminbi    Renminbi     Renminbi     Renminbi  

Balances at January 1, 2001

        7,200,000    2,420,841    2,932,796     947,997     13,501,634  

Net income

        —      —      —       116,049     116,049  

Appropriation

        —      —      14,320     (14,320 )   —    

Dividend

   10    —      —      —       (432,000 )   (432,000 )
         
  
  

 

 

Balances at December 31, 2001, as previously reported

        7,200,000    2,420,841    2,947,116     617,726     13,185,683  

Adjustments to land use rights

   22(g)    —      —      (148,604 )   26,752     (121,852 )
         
  
  

 

 

Balances at December 31, 2001, as reclassified

        7,200,000    2,420,841    2,798,512     644,478     13,063,831  

Net income

        —      —      —       916,365     916,365  

Appropriation

        —      —      181,794     (181,794 )   —    
         
  
  

 

 

Balances at December 31, 2002

        7,200,000    2,420,841    2,980,306     1,379,049     13,980,196  

Net income

        —      —      —       1,401,690     1,401,690  

Appropriation

        —      —      277,112     (277,112 )   —    

Dividend

   10    —      —      —       (360,000 )   (360,000 )
         
  
  

 

 

Balances at December 31, 2003

        7,200,000    2,420,841    3,257,418     2,143,627     15,021,886  
         
  
  

 

 

U.S. Dollars equivalent

        869,912    292,489    393,566     258,996     1,814,963  
         
  
  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F - 6


Table of Contents
1. ORGANIZATION, PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES AND BASIS OF PREPARATION

 

Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Company Limited (“the Company”), formerly Shanghai Petrochemical Company Limited, was established in the People’s Republic of China (“the PRC” or “the State”) on June 29, 1993 as a joint stock limited company to hold the assets and liabilities of the production divisions and certain other units of the Shanghai Petrochemical Complex (“SPC”). SPC was established in 1972 and owned and managed the production divisions as well as the related housing, stores, schools, hotels, transportation, hospitals and other municipal services in the community of Jinshanwei.

 

The Company’s former controlling shareholder, China Petrochemical Corporation (“CPC”) completed its reorganization on February 25, 2000 in which its interests in the Company were transferred to its subsidiary, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (“Sinopec Corp”). In connection with the reorganization, CPC transferred its 4,000,000,000 of the Company’s stated owned legal shares, which represented 55.56 per cent of the issued share capital of the Company, to Sinopec Corp. On October 12, 2000, the Company changed its name to Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Company Limited.

 

The principal activity of the Company and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) is the processing of crude oil into petrochemical products for sale. The Group is one of the largest petrochemical enterprises in the PRC, with a highly integrated petrochemical complex which processes crude oil into a broad range of synthetic fibers, resins and plastics, intermediate petrochemicals and petroleum products. Substantially all of its products are sold in the PRC domestic market.

 

F - 7


Table of Contents
1. ORGANIZATION, PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES AND BASIS OF PREPARATION (continued)

 

The particulars of subsidiaries, all of which are limited companies established and operating in the PRC, which principally affected the results or assets of the Group at December 31, 2003 are as follows:

 

Company


  

Registered

Capital


   Percentage
of equity
held by the
Company


   Percentage
of equity
held by
subsidiaries


  

Principal

activities


          %    %     

Shanghai Petrochemical
Investment
Development
Company Limited

   RMB 800,000    100    —      Investment
management

SPC Marketing
Development
Corporation

   RMB 25,000    100    —      Trading in
petrochemical
products

China Jinshan
Associated
Trading
Corporation

   RMB 25,000    80    —      Import and
export of
petrochemical
products and
equipment

Shanghai Jinhua
Industrial
Company Limited

   RMB 25,500    —      81.46    Trading in
petrochemical
products

Shanghai Jindong
Petrochemical
Industrial
Company Limited

   RMB 40,000    —      60    Trading in
petrochemical
products

 

F - 8


Table of Contents
1. ORGANIZATION, PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES AND BASIS OF PREPARATION (continued)

 

Company


  

Registered

Capital


   Percentage
of equity
held by the
Company


   Percentage
of equity
held by
subsidiaries


  

Principal

activities


          %    %     

Shanghai Golden Way
Petrochemical
Company
Limited

   US$ 3,460    —      75    Production of
vinyl acetate
products

Shanghai Jinchang
Engineering Plastics
Company Limited

   US$ 4,750    —      50.38    Production of
polypropylene
compound
products

Shanghai Golden–
Phillips Petrochemical
Company Limited

   US$ 50,000    —      60    Production of
polypropylene
products

Zhejiang Jin Yong
Acrylic Fibre
Company Limited

   RMB 250,000    75    —      Production of
acrylic fiber
products

Shanghai Petrochemical
Enterprise Development
Company Limited

   RMB 455,000    100    —      Investment
management

Shanghai Golden Conti
Petrochemical
Company Limited

   RMB 295,776    —      100    Production of
petrochemical
products

 

None of the subsidiaries has issued any debt securities.

 

F - 9


Table of Contents
1. ORGANIZATION, PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES AND BASIS OF PREPARATION (continued)

 

In 2003, the Group acquired an additional 52% shareholding in Shanghai Golden Conti Petrochemical Company Limited (“Golden Conti”). Following the acquisition, Golden Conti became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group and was included in the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

 

On January 1, 2003, the Group disposed its 58.43% shareholding in a subsidiary, Zhejiang Jinzhe Petrochemical Associate Company Limited (“Jinzhe”). Effectively, the control of the Group over Jinzhe ceased and was transferred. Accordingly, the results for the current year and net assets as at year end date of Jinzhe were not included in the consolidated financial statements.

 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) promulgated by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”), and interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee of the IASB. Significant differences between IFRS and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and their effect on net income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003, and shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2002, and 2003, are set forth in Note 28.

 

The consolidated financial statements are prepared on the historical cost basis as modified by the revaluation of certain property, plant and equipment. The accounting policies have been consistently applied by the Group. As described in Note 22(g) to the financial statements, land use rights are carried at cost less amortization effective January 1, 2002. The effect of this change resulted in a decrease in the shareholders’ equity as of January 1, 2002. The effect of this change did not have a material impact on the Group’s financial condition and results of operations in prior years.

 

The financial information has been prepared in Renminbi (“RMB”), the national currency of the PRC. Solely for the convenience of the reader, the financial statements have been translated into United States dollars at the rate of U.S. $1.00 = RMB 8.2767 quoted by the People’s Bank of China on December 31, 2003. No representation is made that the Renminbi amounts could have been, or could be, converted into United States dollars at that rate.

 

F - 10


Table of Contents
2. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

  (a) Basis of consolidation

 

  (i) Subsidiaries

 

The consolidated financial statements of the Group incorporate the financial statements of the Company and all of its principal subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are those enterprises controlled by the Company. Control exists when the Company has the power, directly or indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies of an enterprise so as to obtain benefits from its activities. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control effectively commences until the date that control effectively ceases. The share of results attributable to minority interests is deducted from or added to income before minority interests.

 

  (ii) Associates

 

Associates are those enterprises in which the Group has significant influence, but not control, over the financial and operating policies. The consolidated financial statements include the Group’s share of the total recognized gains and losses of the principal associates on an equity basis, from the date that significant influence commences until the date that significant influence ceases. When the Group’s share of losses exceeds the carrying amount of the associate, the carrying amount is reduced to nil and recognition of further losses is discontinued except to the extent that the Group has incurred obligations in respect of the associate.

 

  (iii) Transactions eliminated on consolidation

 

All material intercompany transactions and balances, and any unrealized gains arising from intercompany transactions, are eliminated on consolidation.

 

  (iv) Goodwill

 

Goodwill arising on acquisition represents the excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of their net identifiable assets on acquisition. Goodwill is stated at cost less amortization and impairment losses (see Note 2(p)). Amortization is charged on a straight-line basis to the consolidated statements of income over its economic useful life.

 

Negative goodwill arising on acquisition represents the excess of the fair value of the net identifiable assets of subsidiaries acquired over the cost of acquisition. Negative goodwill is, where material, credited to deferred income which is recognized in the consolidated statements of income on a systematic basis.

 

F - 11


Table of Contents
2. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

  (b) Property, plant and equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment are stated in the balance sheet at cost or valuation (see Note 15) less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses (see Note 2(p)). Revaluations are performed periodically to ensure that the carrying amount does not differ materially from that which would be determined using fair value at the balance sheet date.

 

  (i) Subsequent expenditure

 

Expenditure incurred to replace a component of an item of property, plant and equipment that is accounted for separately, is capitalized with the carrying amount of the component being written off. Other subsequent expenditure is capitalized only when it increases the future economic benefits embodied in the item of property, plant and equipment. All other expenditure is recognized in the consolidated statements of income as an expense as incurred.

 

  (ii) Depreciation and amortization

 

Depreciation is provided to write off the costs or valuation of property, plant and equipment over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis, after taking into account their estimated residual values, as follows:

 

Buildings

   15 to 40 years

Plant, machinery, equipment and others

   5 to 26 years

 

  (iii) Retirement or disposal

 

Gains or losses arising from the retirement or disposal of property, plant and equipment are determined as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and are recognized in the consolidated statements of income on the date of retirement or disposal.

 

  (c) Lease prepayments

 

Lease prepayments represent land use rights paid to the PRC’s land bureau. Land use rights are carried at cost and amortized on a straight-line basis over the respective periods of the rights.

 

F - 12


Table of Contents
2. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

  (d) Construction in progress

 

Construction in progress represents buildings, various plant and equipment under construction and pending installation, and is stated at cost less the government grants that compensate the Company for the cost of construction and impairment losses (see Note 2(p)). Cost comprises direct costs of construction as well as interest charges, and foreign exchange differences on related borrowed funds to the extent that they are regarded as an adjustment to interest charges, during the period of construction.

 

The construction in progress is transferred to property, plant and equipment when the asset is substantially ready for its intended use. No depreciation is provided in respect of construction in progress.

 

  (e) Investments

 

Investments in unlisted equity securities are stated at cost less provision for impairment losses (see Note 2(p)). A provision is made where, in the opinion of management, the carrying amount of the investments exceeds its recoverable amount.

 

  (f) Inventories

 

Inventories, other than spare parts and consumables, are carried at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost includes the cost of materials computed using the weighted average method and expenditure incurred in acquiring the inventories and bringing them to their existing location and condition. In the case of work in progress and finished goods, cost includes direct labor and an appropriate proportion of production overheads. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sales.

 

When inventories are sold, the carrying amount of those inventories is recognized as an expense in the period in which the related revenue is recognized. The amount of any write-down of inventories to net realizable value and all losses of inventories are recognized as an expense in the period the write-down or loss occurs. The amount of any reversal of any write-down of inventories, arising from an increase in net realizable value, is recognized as a reduction in the amount of inventories recognized as an expense in the period in which the reversal occurs.

 

Spare parts and consumables are stated at cost less any provision for obsolescence.

 

F - 13


Table of Contents
2. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

  (g) Trade debtors

 

Trade debtors are stated at cost less allowance for doubtful accounts. Allowance for doubtful accounts is provided based upon the evaluation of the recoverability of these accounts at the balance sheet date.

 

  (h) Cash equivalents

 

Cash equivalents consist of time deposits with an initial term of less than three months. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.

 

  (i) Translation of foreign currencies

 

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into Renminbi at the applicable exchange rates ruling at the transaction dates.

 

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Renminbi at rates quoted by the People’s Bank of China at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, which are stated at historical cost, are translated into Renminbi at the foreign exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction.

 

Foreign currency translation differences relating to funds borrowed to finance the construction of property, plant and equipment to the extent that they are regarded as an adjustment to interest costs are capitalized during the construction period. All other exchange differences are dealt with in the consolidated statements of income.

 

  (j) Revenue recognition

 

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognized in the consolidated statements of income when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer. Revenue excludes value added tax and is after deduction of any trade discounts and returns. Revenue from the rendering of services is recognized in the consolidated statements of income upon performance of the services. No revenue is recognized if there are significant uncertainties regarding recovery of the consideration due, associated costs or the possible return of goods.

 

Dividend income is recognized when the shareholder’s right to receive payment is established.

 

F - 14


Table of Contents
2. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

  (k) Grants

 

Capital-based government grants consist of grants for the purchase of equipment used for technology improvements. Such grants are offset against the cost of asset to which the grant related.

 

  (l) Net financing costs

 

Net financing costs comprise interest expense on borrowings, interest income on bank deposits, foreign exchange gains and losses and bank charges.

 

Interest income from bank deposits is accrued on a time-apportioned basis by reference to the principal outstanding and at the rate applicable.

 

All interest and other costs incurred in connection with borrowings are expensed as incurred as part of net financing costs, except to the extent that they are capitalized as being directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of an asset which necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale.

 

  (m) Repairs and maintenance expenses

 

Repairs and maintenance expenses, including cost of major overhaul, are charged to the consolidated statements of income as and when they are incurred.

 

  (n) Research and development costs

 

Research and development costs comprise all costs that are directly attributable to research and development activities or that can be allocated on a reasonable basis to such activities. Because of the nature of the Group’s research and development activities, no development costs satisfy the criteria for the recognition of such costs as an asset. Both research and development costs are therefore recognized as expenses in the year in which they are incurred.

 

  (o) Retirement benefits

 

The contributions payable under the Group’s retirement plans are charged to the consolidated statements of income according to the contribution determined by the plans. Further information is set out in Note 24.

 

F - 15


Table of Contents
2. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

  (p) Impairment loss

 

The carrying amounts of the Group’s long-lived assets are reviewed periodically in order to assess whether the recoverable amounts have declined below the carrying amounts. These assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their recorded carrying amounts may not be recoverable. When such a decline has occurred, the carrying amount is reduced to the recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the greater of the net selling price and the value in use. In determining the value in use, expected future cash flows generated by the asset are discounted to their present value. The amount of the reduction is recognized as an expense in the consolidated statements of income.

 

The Group assesses at each balance sheet date whether there is any indication that an impairment loss recognized for an asset in prior years may no longer exist. An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a favorable change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. A subsequent increase in the recoverable amount of an asset, when the circumstances and events that led to the write-down or write-off cease to exist, is recognized as income. The reversal is reduced by the amount that would have been recognized as depreciation had the write-down or write-off not occurred.

 

  (q) Deferred income

 

Deferred income is amortized on a straight-line basis to the consolidated statements of income over 10 years.

 

  (r) Dividends

 

Dividends are recognized as a liability in the period in which they are declared.

 

  (s) Income tax

 

Income tax on the consolidated statements of income comprises current and deferred tax.

 

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantially enacted at the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

 

F - 16


Table of Contents
2. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

  (s) Income tax (continued)

 

Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes, except differences relating to goodwill not deductible for tax purposes and the initial recognition of assets or liabilities which affect neither accounting nor taxable income. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realization or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantially enacted at the balance sheet date. The effect on deferred tax of any changes in tax rates is charged to the consolidated statements of income.

 

A deferred tax asset is recognized only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable income will be available against which the assets can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized.

 

  (t) Provisions

 

A provision is recognized in the balance sheet when the Group has a legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligations.

 

  (u) Related parties

 

For the purposes of these financial statements, parties are considered to be related to the Group if the Group has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control the party or exercise significant influence over the party in making financial and operating decisions, or vice versa, or where the Group and the party are subject to common control or common significant influence. Related parties may be individuals or other entities.

 

  (v) Segment reporting

 

A segment is a distinguishable component of the Group that is engaged in providing products or services and is subject to risks and rewards that are different from those of other segments.

 

F - 17


Table of Contents
2. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

  (w) Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS and U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

3. SALES

 

The Group’s principal activity is the processing of crude oil into petrochemical products for sale and substantially all of its products are sold in the PRC domestic markets.

 

Sales represents the sales value of goods sold to customers, net of value added tax and is after deduction of any sales discounts and returns.

 

4. COST OF SALES

 

Cost of sales represents:

 

     Years ended December 31,

     2001

   2002

   2003

Costs of raw materials

              

-crude oil

   11,035,145    11,277,494    15,848,188

-other ancillary materials

   2,413,510    3,071,608    3,939,371

Depreciation

   1,359,642    1,585,823    1,850,013

Repairs and maintenance

   614,907    673,255    787,246

Research and development

   40,808    83,952    101,223

Employer’s pension costs

              

-municipal retirement scheme costs

   182,975    168,747    168,276

-supplementary retirement scheme costs

   25,741    24,781    39,153

Staff costs

   1,067,441    1,079,318    1,090,687

Amortization of lease prepayment

   —      14,518    22,822

Others

   2,062,875    1,874,432    2,549,245
    
  
  
     18,803,044    19,853,928    26,396,224
    
  
  

 

Cost of sales includes charges for specific services provided by Sinopec Corp group companies to the Group. Such amounts have not been a material portion of cost of sales.

 

F - 18


Table of Contents
5. OTHER OPERATING INCOME

 

Other operating income represents:

 

     Years ended December 31,

     2001

   2002

   2003

Income from joint ventures and other investments

   44,727    36,505    18,059

Income from rendering of services

   66,939    63,739    74,040

Amortization of deferred income

   14,822    14,822    12,367

Others

   33,534    21,565    16,613
    
  
  
     160,022    136,631    121,079
    
  
  

 

6. OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES

 

Other operating expenses represent:

 

     Years ended December 31,

     2001

   2002

   2003

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

   15,444    85,134    57,571

Employee reduction expenses (Note 7)

   171,033    —      64,108

Amortization of goodwill

   13,448    13,448    13,448

Impairment loss of property, plant and equipment (Note 15)

   —      —      24,600

Donation

   1,425    1,699    10,080

Others

   15,991    54,554    46,625
    
  
  
     217,341    154,835    216,432
    
  
  

 

F - 19


Table of Contents
7. EMPLOYEE REDUCTION EXPENSES

 

In accordance with the Group’s voluntary employee reduction plan, the Group recorded employee reduction expenses of RMB 64,108 (2002: RMB Nil, 2001: RMB171,033) during the year ended December 31, 2003 in respect of the voluntary resignation of approximately 950 (2002: Nil, 2001: 1,500) employees.

 

8. NET FINANCING COSTS

 

Net financing costs represent:

 

     Years ended December 31,

 
     2001

    2002

    2003

 

Interest expenses, net

   278,093     421,747     415,935  

Interest income

   (40,719 )   (25,015 )   (27,419 )

Foreign exchange (gains)/losses, net

   (9,616 )   3,924     3,505  
    

 

 

     227,758     400,656     392,021  
    

 

 

 

Interest costs capitalized as a component of the cost of construction in progress amounted to RMB 167,376, RMB 101,753 and RMB 14,095 in 2001, 2002 and 2003 respectively. Interest costs have been capitalized at a rate of between 2.98% and 5.31% per annum (2002: 4.18%-6.03%; 2001: 5.85%-6.03%) for construction in progress.

 

F - 20


Table of Contents
9. TAXATION

 

  (a) Taxation in the consolidated statements of income represents:

 

     Years ended December 31,

 
     2001

    2002

    2003

 

Provision for PRC income tax for the year

   7,948     155,874     249,285  

Deferred tax

                  

- the Group (9 (b)(ii))

   12,526     (4,975 )   (8,229 )

- associates

   —       —       (3,824 )
    

 

 

     20,474     150,899     237,232  

Tax refund

   (19,318 )   (66,405 )   (92,167 )
    

 

 

     1,156     84,494     145,065  
    

 

 

 

Pursuant to the document “Cai Shui Zi (1999) No. 290” issued by the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation of the PRC on December 8, 1999, the Company received an income tax refund of RMB 92,167 (2002: RMB 66,405, 2001: RMB 19,318) during the year relating to the purchase of equipment produced in the PRC for technological improvements.

 

A reconciliation of the income tax calculated at the applicable tax rate with income tax expense is as follows:

 

     Years ended December 31,

 
     2001

    2002

    2003

 

Income before income tax

   145,797     1,045,038     1,590,365  
    

 

 

Expected PRC taxation at statutory tax rate of 15%

   21,870     156,756     238,555  

Non-deductible expenses

   3,095     2,706     3,437  

Non-taxable earnings

   (4,975 )   (10,108 )   (7,032 )

Income tax refund

   (19,318 )   (66,405 )   (92,167 )

Others

   484     1,545     2,272  
    

 

 

     1,156     84,494     145,065  
    

 

 

 

The charge for PRC income tax is calculated at the rate of 15% (2002: 15%; 2001: 15%) on the estimated assessable income of the year determined in accordance with relevant income tax rules and regulations. The Group did not carry on business overseas and in Hong Kong and therefore does not incur overseas and Hong Kong income taxes. The Company has not received notice from the Ministry of Finance that the 15% tax rate will continue to be applicable to the Company in 2004. As such, it is possible that the Company’s tax rate will increase in 2004.

 

F - 21


Table of Contents
9. TAXATION (continued)

 

  (b) Deferred taxation:

 

  (i) Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are attributable to the items detailed in the table below:

 

     Assets

   Liabilities

    Net balance

 
     December 31,

   December 31,

    December 31,

 
     2002

   2003

   2002

    2003

    2002

    2003

 

Current

                                  

Provisions

   15,171    21,163    —       —       15,171     21,163  

Non-current

                                  

Provisions for impairment losses

   —      3,690    —       —       —       3,690  

Land use rights (Note)

   20,978    20,453    —       —       20,978     20,453  

Capitalization of borrowing costs

   —      —      (8,718 )   (9,646 )   (8,718 )   (9,646 )
    
  
  

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets/(liabilities)

   36,149    45,306    (8,718 )   (9,646 )   27,431     35,660  
    
  
  

 

 

 

 

There is no other significant deferred tax asset or liability that has not been provided for in the financial statements.

 

  (ii) Movement in the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

 

     Balance at
January 1,
2001


    Recognized
in consolidated
statements of
income


   

Balance at

December 31,

2001


 

Current

                  

Provisions

   13,479     (4,683 )   8,796  

Non-current

                  

Capitalization of borrowing costs

   —       (7,843 )   (7,843 )
    

 

 

Net deferred tax assets

   13,479     (12,526 )   953  
    

 

 

     Balance at
January 1,
2002


    Recognized
in consolidated
statements of
income


   

Balance at

December 31,

2002


 

Current

                  

Provisions

   8,796     6,375     15,171  

Non-current

                  

Land use rights (Note)

   21,503     (525 )   20,978  

Capitalization of borrowing costs

   (7,843 )   (875 )   (8,718 )
    

 

 

Net deferred tax assets

   22,456     4,975     27,431  
    

 

 

 

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Table of Contents
9. TAXATION (continued)

 

     Balance at
January 1,
2003


    Recognized
in consolidated
statements of
income


   

Balance at

December 31,

2003


 

Current

                  

Provisions

   15,171     5,992     21,163  

Non-current

                  

Provision for impairment losses

   —       3,690     3,690  

Land use rights (Note)

   20,978     (525 )   20,453  

Capitalization of borrowing costs

   (8,718 )   (928 )   (9,646 )
    

 

 

Net deferred tax assets

   27,431     8,229     35,660  
    

 

 

 

Note: As described in Note 22(g) to the financial statement, land use rights are carried at cost effective January 1, 2002. Accordingly, the surplus on the revaluation of land use rights net of deferred tax are reversed to shareholders’ equity.

 

10. DIVIDEND

 

  (a) Dividend attributable to the year:

 

     Years ended December 31,

     2001

   2002

   2003

Final dividend proposed after the balance sheet date of RMB 0.08 per share (2002: RMB 0.05 per share; 2001: Nil)

   —      360,000    576,000
    
  
  

 

Pursuant to a resolution passed at the Directors’ meeting on March 26, 2004, a final dividend of RMB 0.08 per share totaling RMB 576,000 (2002: RMB 360,000; 2001: Nil) was proposed for shareholders’ approval at the Annual General Meeting. The final dividend proposed after the balance sheet date has not been recognized as a liability at the balance sheet date.

 

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Table of Contents
10. DIVIDEND (continued)

 

  (b) Dividend attributable to the previous financial year, approved and paid during the year:

 

     Years ended December 31,

     2001

   2002

   2003

Final dividend in respect of the previous financial year, approved and paid during the year, of RMB 0.05 per share (2002: RMB Nil; 2001: RMB 0.06 per share;)

   432,000    —      360,000
    
  
  

 

11. BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on the net income of RMB 1,401,690 (2002: RMB 916,365; 2001: RMB 116,049) and 7,200,000,000 (2001: 7,200,000,000; 2000: 7,200,000,000) shares in issue during the year.

 

The amount of diluted earnings per share is not presented as there were no dilutive potential ordinary shares in existence for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003.

 

12. INVENTORIES

 

Inventories comprise:

 

     December 31,

     2002

   2003

Raw materials

   1,024,755    1,226,324

Work in progress

   1,077,202    1,188,187

Finished goods

   657,465    608,533

Spare parts and consumables

   533,716    481,215
    
  
     3,293,138    3,504,259
    
  

 

At December 31, 2003, the Group had inventories carried at net realizable value with carrying amount of RMB 98,618. (2002: RMB 109,411).

 

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Table of Contents
13. TRADE DEBTORS

 

Trade debtors comprise:

 

     December 31,

 
     2002

    2003

 

Trade debtors

   467,465     511,928  

Less provision for doubtful accounts

   (43,339 )   (39,811 )
    

 

     424,126     472,117  
    

 

 

Provision for doubtful accounts is analyzed as follows:

 

At January 1, 2001

   25,371  

Written-off

   9,098  

Provision for the year

   (717 )
    

At December 31, 2001

   33,752  

Provision for the year

   17,041  

Written-off

   (7,454 )
    

At December 31, 2002

   43,339  

Provision for the year

   33,644  

Written-off

   (37,172 )
    

At December 31, 2003

   39,811  
    

 

14. OTHER DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS

 

Other debtors and prepayments comprise:

 

     December 31,

     2002

   2003

Purchase deposits

   288,767    109,053

Prepayments in connection with construction work and equipment purchases

   159,416    18,467

VAT receivable

   37,241    40,594

Sundry debtors

   353,380    238,407
    
  
     838,804    406,521
    
  

 

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Table of Contents
15. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS

 

Property, plant and equipment comprises:

 

     Buildings

   

Plant and
other

fixed assets


    Total

 

Cost or valuation:

                  

At January 1, 2003

   4,731,863     23,911,111     28,642,974  

Additions

   11,115     210,117     221,232  

Transferred from construction in progress

   91,214     1,485,342     1,576,556  

Acquisition of subsidiary

   283,637     224,857     508,494  

Disposals

   (37,506 )   (390,352 )   (427,858 )
    

 

 

At December 31, 2003

   5,080,323     25,441,075     30,521,398  
    

 

 

Accumulated depreciation:

                  

At January 1, 2003

   2,358,969     10,474,512     12,833,481  

Charge for the year

   188,353     1,661,660     1,850,013  

Impairment loss

   —       24,600     24,600  

Acquisition of subsidiary

   59,972     44,485     104,457  

Written back on disposal

   (15,599 )   (295,658 )   (311,257 )
    

 

 

At December 31, 2003

   2,591,695     11,909,599     14,501,294  
    

 

 

Net book value:

                  

At December 31, 2003

   2,488,628     13,531,476     16,020,104  
    

 

 

At December 31, 2002

   2,372,894     13,436,599     15,809,493  
    

 

 

 

All of the Group’s buildings are located in the PRC (including Hong Kong).

 

Buildings in Hong Kong with a net book value of RMB 37,684 (2002: RMB 38,870) were held under medium-term leases.

 

The Company was established in the PRC on June 29, 1993 as a joint stock limited company as part of the restructuring of Shanghai Petrochemical Complex (“SPC”). On the same date, the principal business undertakings of SPC together with the relevant assets and liabilities were taken over by the Company. As required by the relevant PRC rules and regulations, a valuation of the assets and liabilities injected into the Company was carried out as at January 1, 1993 by the State-owned Assets Administration Bureau and the injected assets and liabilities were reflected in the financial statements on this basis.

 

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Table of Contents
15. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS (continued)

 

In accordance with IAS 16, subsequent to this revaluation, which was based on depreciated replacement costs, property, plant and equipment are carried at revalued amount, being the fair value at the date of the revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Revaluation is performed periodically to ensure that the carrying amount does not differ materially from that which would be determined using fair value at the balance sheet date. Based on a revaluation performed as of September 30, 1999, which was based on depreciated replacement costs, the carrying value of property, plant and equipment did not differ materially from their fair value.

 

At December 31, 2003, the net book value of property, plant and equipment that were pledged by the Group are RMB 414,342 (2002: RMB Nil).

 

Construction in progress comprises costs incurred on property, plant and equipment not yet commissioned at December 31, 2003. The movement of construction in progress is as follows:

 

     2002

    2003

 

At January 1

   4,001,169     896,798  

Additions

   2,290,320     1,065,131  

Transferred to property, plant and equipment

   (5,394,691 )   (1,576,556 )
    

 

At December 31

   896,798     385,373  
    

 

 

16. INTERESTS IN ASSOCIATES

 

     December 31,

     2002

   2003

Share of net assets

   1,044,217    1,370,339
    
  

 

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Table of Contents
16. INTERESTS IN ASSOCIATES (continued)

 

The above amount represents the share of net assets of the Company’s interest in its associates. The particulars of these associates, which are limited companies established and operating in the PRC, which principally affected the results or assets of the Group at December 31, 2003 are as follows:

 

Company


  

Registered

Capital


   Percentage
of equity
held by the
Company


   Percentage
of equity
held by the
subsidiaries


  

Principal activities


          %    %     

Shanghai Jinsen
Hydrocarbon Resins
Company Limited

   US$ 14,695    —      40   

Production of

resins products

Shanghai Jinpu Plastics
Packaging Material
Company Limited

   US$ 20,204    —      50    Production of polypropylene film

Shanghai YaNan
Electrical Appliances
Company

   RMB 5,420    —      44    Trading of electrical appliances

SPC XinLian
Entertainment
Company

   RMB 11,000    —      36    Catering services

Shanghai Secco
Petrochemical
Company Limited

   US$ 901,441    20    —      Manufacturing and distribution of chemical products

Shanghai Chemical
Industry Park
Development Company Limited

   RMB 2,372,439    38.26    —      Planning, development and operation of the Chemical Industry Park in Shanghai, PRC

 

F - 28


Table of Contents
17. INVESTMENTS

 

Investments comprise:

 

     December 31,

 
     2002

    2003

 

Investments in joint ventures

   409,431     380,751  

Other unlisted investments

   334,724     333,874  
    

 

     744,155     714,625  

Less provision

   (9,658 )   (25,788 )
    

 

     734,497     688,837  
    

 

 

The Group’s other investments in joint ventures include non-controlling equity investments in various enterprises which are mainly engaged in manufacturing or trading activities related to the Group’s operations. The Group’s share of results attributable to these interests during the year ended December 31, 2003 is not material in relation to the profit of the Group for the said period.

 

18. GOODWILL

 

     December 31,

 
     2002

    2003

 

Goodwill through acquisition of subsidiaries

   134,482     134,482  

Less accumulated amortization

   (85,171 )   (98,619 )
    

 

     49,311     35,863  
    

 

 

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Table of Contents
19. DEFERRED INCOME

 

     December 31,

     2002

   2003

Negative goodwill

   16,524    3,398

Net assets obtained

   57,587    46,069
    
  
     74,111    49,467
    
  

 

In 1998, the Group obtained the assets, liabilities and employees of certain businesses and various other net assets from the community of Jinshanwei without monetary consideration. The value of net assets obtained amounted to RMB 115,177 and was recorded as deferred income in the consolidated financial statements. The deferred income is amortized to the consolidated statements of income on a straight-line basis over 10 years.

 

20. DEBT

 

Short-term debts represent:

 

     December 31,

     2002

   2003

Short-term bank loans

   3,094,726    4,445,588

Current portion long-term bank loans

   777,589    999,141
    
  
     3,872,315    5,444,729

Loans from a related company

   130,000    130,000
    
  
     4,002,315    5,574,729
    
  

 

The Group’s short-term bank loans are used primarily to finance working capital needs and are generally comprised of unsecured loans without guarantee and payable in full when due. The Group’s weighted average short-term interest rates were 3.50% and 3.87% at December 31, 2002 and 2003, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents
20. DEBT (continued)

 

The Group’s long-term bank loans, which are for the addition of plant and equipment and working capital purposes, comprise:

 

     Interest rate

   Interest type

   December 31,

         2002

   2003

Arranged by Central Treasury of the Company:

                   

U.S. Dollar denominated:

                   

Payable semi-annually from 2001 through 2003

   LIBOR + 0.6%    Floating    36,021    —  

Payable semi-annually through 2004 (note (a))

   7.10%    Fixed    36,004    17,954

Payable semi-annually through 2008 (note (a))

   1.50%    Fixed    81,947    71,621

Payable semi-annually through 2003 (note (a))

   LIBOR + 0.5%    Floating    29,014    —  

Japanese Yen denominated:

                   

Payable semi-annually through 2004

   5.7%    Fixed    60,362    23,188

Renminbi denominated:

                   

Due in 2003

   5.94%    Floating    288,840    —  

Due in 2004

   5.22% - 5.30%    Floating    1,200,000    700,000

Due in 2005

   4.94% - 5.58%    Floating    1,790,000    1,650,000

Due in 2006

   4.94% - 5.30%    Floating    1,000,000    1,220,000

Other loans payable through 2004

   Interest free       15,000    15,000

 

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Table of Contents
20. DEBT (continued)

 

     Interest rate

   Interest type

   December 31,

 
         2002

    2003

 
Arranged by subsidiaries:                       

U.S. Dollar denominated:

                      

Payable semi-annually through 2004

   1.70%    Floating    84,284     42,135  

Payable annually through 2004

   Interest free       14,065     4,137  

Payable annually through 2004

   5.00%    Fixed    10,090     20,017  

Renminbi denominated:

                      

Payable semi-annually through 2003

   Interest free       29,910     —    

Payable semi-annually through 2004

   5.76%    Floating    136,300     68,100  

Payable annually from 2003 through 2004

   7.13%    Floating    45,000     —    

Payable annually through 2004

   Interest free       265,843     76,037  

Payable annually through 2004

   5.31% - 5.85%    Floating    49,100     5,000  

Payable annually from 2001 through 2005

   Interest free       22,200     14,800  

Payable annually through 2010

   Interest free       —       143,500  

Due in 2004

   6.24%    Floating    40,000     —    

Due in 2005 and thereafter

   4.94% - 5.58%    Floating    134,500     134,500  
              

 

Total long-term bank loans outstanding

             5,368,480     4,205,989  

Less: Amounts due within one year

             (777,589 )   (999,141 )
              

 

Amounts due after one year

             4,590,891     3,206,848  
              

 

 

  (a) Guaranteed by CPC

 

The weighted average short-term interest rates for the Group and the Company were 3.50% (2002: 3.87%) at December 31, 2003.

 

The aggregate maturities of long-term loans subsequent to December 31, 2003 are as follows:

 

2004

   999,141

2005

   1,802,573

2006

   1,255,173

2007

   59,673

2008

   33,429

Thereafter

   56,000
    
     4,205,989
    

 

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Table of Contents
21. SHARE CAPITAL

 

Share capital represents:

 

     December 31,

     2002

   2003

Registered, issued and paid up capital:

         

4,870,000,000 A shares of RMB 1.00 each

   4,870,000    4,870,000

2,330,000,000 H shares of RMB 1.00 each

   2,330,000    2,330,000
    
  
     7,200,000    7,200,000
    
  

 

All the A and H shares rank pari passu in all respects.

 

22. SHARE PREMIUM AND RESERVES

 

Movements on reserves comprise:

 

     2002

    2003

 

Share premium (Note a)

            

Balance at January 1 and December 31

   2,420,841     2,420,841  

Statutory surplus reserve (Note b)

            

Balance at January 1

   831,211     922,108  

Appropriation

   90,897     138,556  
    

 

Balance at December 31

   922,108     1,060,664  

Statutory public welfare fund (Note c)

            

Balance at January 1

   749,122     840,019  

Appropriation

   90,897     138,556  
    

 

Balance at December 31

   840,019     978,575  

General surplus reserve (Note d)

            

Balance at January 1 and December 31

   82,089     82,089  

Capital reserve fund (Note e)

            

Balance at January 1 and December 31

   4,180     4,180  

Discretionary surplus reserve (Note f)

            

Balance at January 1 and December 31

   1,280,514     1,280,514  

Excess over share capital (Note g)

            

Balance at January 1 and December 31

   (148,604 )   (148,604 )

Retained profits (Note h)

            

Balance at January 1 and December 31

   1,379,049     2,143,627  
    

 

     6,780,196     7,821,886  
    

 

 

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Table of Contents
22. SHARE PREMIUM AND RESERVES (continued)

 

Note a

 

The application of the share premium account is governed by Sections 178 and 179 of the PRC Company Law.

 

Note b

 

According to the Company’s Articles of Association, the Company is required to transfer 10% of its profit after taxation, as determined under PRC Accounting Rules and Regulations, to a statutory surplus reserve until the reserve balance reaches 50% of the registered capital. The transfer to this reserve is made before distribution of a dividend to shareholders.

 

The statutory surplus reserve can be used to make good previous years’ losses, if any, and may be converted into share capital by the issue of new shares to shareholders in proportion to their existing shareholdings or by increasing the par value of the shares currently held by them, provided that the balance after such issue is not less than 25% of the registered capital.

 

Note c

 

According to the Company’s Articles of Association, the Company is required to transfer 5% to 10% of its profit after taxation, as determined under PRC Accounting Rules and Regulations, to the statutory public welfare fund. This fund can only be utilized on capital items for the collective benefits of the Company’s employees such as the construction of dormitories, canteen and other staff welfare facilities. This fund is non-distributable other than in liquidation. The transfer to this reserve must be made before distribution of a dividend to shareholders. The Directors have resolved to transfer 10% (2002: 10%) of the current year’s profit after taxation to the fund.

 

Note d

 

When the statutory public welfare fund is utilized, an amount equal to the lower of cost of the assets and the balance of the statutory public welfare fund is transferred from the statutory public welfare fund to the general surplus reserve. This reserve is non-distributable other than in liquidation. When the relevant assets are disposed of or written off, the original transfers from the statutory public welfare fund are reversed. In 2003, the Company did not utilize the statutory public welfare fund (2002: RMB Nil). As at December 31, 2003, the net book value of assets acquired utilizing the statutory public welfare fund was RMB 40,639 (2002: RMB 43,996).

 

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Table of Contents
22. SHARE PREMIUM AND RESERVES (continued)

 

Note e

 

This reserve represents gifts or grants received from China Petrochemical Corporation, the ultimate parent company and which are required to be included in this reserve fund by PRC regulations.

 

Note f

 

The transfer to this reserve from the consolidated statements of income is subject to the approval by shareholders at general meetings. Its usage is similar to that of statutory surplus reserve.

 

Note g

 

Effective January 1, 2002, land use rights which are included in lease prepayments are carried at historical cost base. Accordingly, the surplus on the revaluation of land use rights net of deferred tax asset are reversed to shareholders’ equity. Under PRC Accounting Rules and Regulations, land use rights are carried at revalued amounts.

 

Note h

 

According to the Company’s Articles of Association, the reserve available for distribution is the lower of the amount determined under PRC Accounting Rules and Regulations and the amount determined under IFRS. As of December 31, 2003, the reserve available for distribution was RMB 2,048,896 (2002: RMB 1,300,452). Final dividend of RMB 576,000 (2002: RMB 360,000) in respect of the financial year 2003 was declared after the balance sheet date.

 

23. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Capital commitments

 

The Group had capital commitments outstanding at December 31, 2003 not provided for in the financial statements as follows:

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

Contracted but not provided for

   119,990

Authorized by the Board but not contracted for

   2,094,840
    
     2,214,830
    

 

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Table of Contents
23. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (continued)

 

Investment

 

Contracted but not provided for

   858,706
    

 

Contingent liabilities

 

At December 31, 2003, the Group was contingently liable with respect to guarantees issued to banks in favor of associates and joint ventures of RMB 129,098 (2002: RMB 345,432).

 

Guarantees issued to banks in favor of associates and joint ventures are given to the extent of the Company’s respective interest in these entities. The Company monitors the conditions that are subject to the guarantees to identify whether it is probable that a loss has occurred, and recognize any such losses under guarantees when those losses can be estimated. At December 31, 2002 and 2003, it is not probable that the Company will be required to make payments under the guarantees. Thus no liability has been accrued for a loss related to the Company’s obligation under the guarantees arrangement.

 

24. RETIREMENT SCHEMES

 

As stipulated by the regulations of the PRC, the Group participates in a defined contribution retirement plan organised by the Shanghai Municipal Government for its staff. The Group is required to make contributions to the retirement plan at a rate of 22.5% of the salaries, bonuses and certain allowances of its staff. A member of the plan is entitled to a pension equal to a fixed proportion of the salary prevailing at his retirement date. The Group has no other material obligation for the payment of pension benefits associated with this plan beyond the annual contributions described above. In addition, pursuant to a document “Lao Bu Fa (1995) No.464” dated December 29, 1995 issued by the Ministry of Labour of the PRC, the Company has set out a supplementary defined contribution retirement plan for the benefit of employees. Employees who have served the Company for five years or more may participate in this plan. The Company and participating employees make defined contributions to their pension savings accounting according to the plan. The assets of this plan are held separately from those of the Company in an independent fund administered by a committee consisting of representatives from the employees and the Company. In April 2003, the Company revised certain terms of the supplementary defined contribution retirement plan and increased the amounts of contributions. For the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company’s contribution to this plan amounted to RMB 39,153 (2002: RMB 24,781).

 

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Table of Contents
25. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

  (a) Most of the transactions undertaken by the Group during the year ended December 31, 2003 have been effected with such counterparties and on such terms as have been determined by China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (“Sinopec Corp”), the immediate parent company, and other relevant PRC authorities.

 

Sinopec Corp negotiates and agrees the terms of crude oil supply with suppliers on a group basis, which is then allocated among its subsidiaries, including the Group, on a discretionary basis. During the year ended December 31, 2003, the value of crude oil purchased in accordance with Sinopec Corp’s allocation was as follows:

 

     Years ended December 31,

     2001

   2002

   2003

Purchases of crude oil

   10,499,582    11,645,363    15,904,304
    
  
  

 

  (b) Other transactions between the Group and other related parties during the year ended December 31, 2003 were as follows:

 

     Years ended December 31,

 
     2001

    2002

   2003

 

Sales

   7,137,458     8,077,376    10,481,474  

Purchases other than crude oil

   338,292     267,228    757,053  

Insurance premiums paid

   77,140     78,104    85,460  

Net (withdrawal from)/ increase in deposits in related party

   (182,014 )   257,045    (197,366 )

Interest received and receivable

   1,673     488    1,580  

New loans obtained from related party

   —       530,000    130,000  

Loans repaid to related party

   —       400,000    130,000  

Interest paid and payable

   —       5,111    6,774  

Research and development expenses

   —       —      25,000  

Transportation fee

   10,464     40,132    44,733  

Construction and installation fees

   893,010     579,476    297,525  
    

 
  

 

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Table of Contents
25. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (continued)

 

  (c) Loans with related party

 

     December 31,

     2002

   2003

Short-term loans

   130,000    130,000
    
  

 

  (d) Time deposits in related companies

 

     December 31,

     2002

   2003

Time deposits, within three months of maturity

   461,220    263,854
    
  

 

The Directors of the Company are of the opinion that the above transactions were entered into in the normal course of business and on normal commercial terms or in accordance with the agreements governing such transactions, and this has been confirmed by the non-executive Directors.

 

  (e) Amounts due from/ to related companies

 

Amounts due from/ to related companies are unsecured, interest free and have no fixed repayment terms.

 

26. OPERATING SEGMENT DATA

 

Segment information is presented in respect of the Group’s business segments. The format of which is based on the Group’s management and internal reporting structure. In view of the fact that the Company and its subsidiaries operate mainly in the PRC, no geographical segment information is presented.

 

The Group evaluates performance based on operating profit before income tax and non-operating income and expenses. Certain administrative expenses are allocated based on the percentage of sales.

 

Inter-segment transfer pricing is based on cost plus an appropriate margin, as specified by Group policy.

 

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Table of Contents
26. OPERATING SEGMENT DATA (continued)

 

Segment results, assets and liabilities include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis. Unallocated items mainly comprise income-earning assets and revenue, interest-bearing loans, borrowings and expenses, and corporate assets and expenses.

 

Expenditures for segment long-lived assets are the total cost incurred during the year to acquire segment assets that are expected to be used for more than one period.

 

The Group principally operates in four operating segments: synthetic fibers, resins and plastics, intermediate petrochemicals and petroleum products. All of the Group’s products are produced through intermediate steps from the principal raw material of crude oil. The specific products of each segment are as follows:

 

  (a) The synthetic fibers segment produces primarily polyester and acrylic fibers primarily used in the textile and apparel industries.

 

  (b) The resins and plastics segment produces primarily polyester chips, low density polyethylene resins and films, polypropylene resins and PVA granules. The polyester chips are used in the processing of polyester fibers and construction coating materials and containers. Low density polyethylene resins and plastics are used in cable jacketing, sheeting, the manufacture of moulded products, such as housewares and toys and for agricultural and packaging uses. Polypropylene resins are used in the manufacturing of extruded films or sheets and injection moulded products such as housewares, toys and household electric appliance and automobile parts.

 

  (c) The intermediate petrochemicals segment primarily produces ethylene and benzene. Most of the intermediate petrochemicals produced by the Group are used by the Group as raw materials in the production of other petrochemicals, resins, plastics and synthetic fibers. A portion of the intermediate petrochemicals as well as certain by-products of the production process are sold to outside customers.

 

  (d) The Group’s petroleum products segment has crude oil distillation facilities used to produce vacuum and atmospheric gas oils used as feedstocks of the Group’s downstream processing facilities. Residual oil and low octane gasoline fuels are produced primarily as a co-product of the crude oil distillation process. A proportion of the residual oil is further processed into qualified refined gasoline and diesel oil. In addition, the Group produces a variety of other transportation, industrial and household heating fuels, such as diesel oils, jet fuels, heavy oils and liquefied petroleum gases.

 

F - 39


Table of Contents
26. OPERATING SEGMENT DATA (continued)

 

  (e) All other operating segment represents the operating segments which do not meet the quantitative threshold for determining reportable segments. These include trading, consumer products and services and a variety of other commercial activities, which are not allocated to the above four operating segments.

 

Most of the Group’s sales and concentrations of credit risk (see Note 27(b)) are with affiliates of Sinopec Corp or other state-owned enterprises. Export sales accounted for approximately, 1.5%, 4.8 % and 5.0% of total sales in 2001, 2002 and 2003 respectively.

 

F - 40


Table of Contents

Reportable information on the Group’s operating segments are as follows:

 

26. OPERATING SEGMENT DATA (continued)

 

     Years ended December 31,

 
     2001

    2002

    2003

 

Sales

                  

Manufactured Products

                  

Synthetic Fibers

                  

External sales

   3,233,010     3,396,652     4,114,966  

Intersegment sales

   1,358     —       707  
    

 

 

Total

   3,234,368     3,396,652     4,115,673  

Resins and Plastics

                  

External sales

   5,666,218     6,479,166     8,907,410  

Intersegment sales

   26,941     24,948     25,850  
    

 

 

Total

   5,693,159     6,504,114     8,933,260  

Intermediate Petrochemicals

                  

External sales

   2,123,670     2,575,668     3,879,846  

Intersegment sales

   4,584,642     5,655,309     8,288,481  
    

 

 

Total

   6,708,312     8,230,977     12,168,327  

Petroleum Products

                  

External sales

   8,225,905     8,482,497     10,834,580  

Intersegment sales

   544,370     603,473     800,070  
    

 

 

Total

   8,770,275     9,085,970     11,634,650  

All others

                  

External sales

   948,593     1,388,913     1,830,338  

Intersegment sales

   1,346,082     3,190,159     3,520,710  
    

 

 

Total

   2,294,675     4,579,072     5,351,048  

Eliminations of intersegment sales

   (6,503,393 )   (9,473,889 )   (12,635,818 )
    

 

 

Consolidated sales

   20,197,396     22,322,896     29,567,140  
    

 

 

 

External sales include sales to other Sinopec Corp group companies.

 

F - 41


Table of Contents
26. OPERATING SEGMENT DATA (continued)

 

     Years ended December 31,

 
     2001

    2002

    2003

 

Result

                  

Income from operations by segment

                  

Synthetic Fibers

   7,049     113,095     112,316  

Resins and Plastics

   173,193     438,030     627,870  

Intermediate Petrochemicals

   51,009     287,660     597,411  

Petroleum Products

   100,543     403,903     452,077  

All others

   62,391     186,941     216,729  
    

 

 

     394,185     1,429,629     2,006,403  

Other operating income

   160,022     136,631     121,079  

Other operating expenses

   (217,341 )   (154,835 )   (216,432 )

Share of loss of associates

   (20,630 )   16,065     (24,017 )

Net financing costs

   (227,758 )   (400,656 )   (392,021 )
    

 

 

     (305,707 )   (402,795 )   (511,391 )

Income before income tax and minority interests

   145,797     1,045,038     1,590,365  

Income tax

   (1,156 )   (84,494 )   (145,065 )
    

 

 

Income before minority interests

   144,641     960,544     1,445,300  

Minority interests

   (28,592 )   (44,179 )   (43,610 )
    

 

 

Net income

   116,049     916,365     1,401,690  
    

 

 

 

F - 42


Table of Contents
26. OPERATING SEGMENT DATA (continued)

 

     December 31,

     2001

   2002

   2003

Assets

              

Segment assets

              

Synthetic Fibers

   2,503,998    2,872,995    3,034,919

Resins and Plastics

   4,513,645    4,426,040    4,138,796

Intermediate Petrochemicals

   5,348,836    5,903,756    6,090,790

Petroleum Products

   6,926,731    7,063,384    7,383,556

All others

   1,957,317    2,216,993    2,338,076
    
  
  

Total segment assets

   21,250,527    22,483,168    22,986,137
    
  
  

Interests in associates

   178,990    1,044,217    1,370,339
    
  
  

Unallocated:

              

(including Cash and cash equivalents, Deposits, Income tax recoverable, Investments, Deferred tax assets and Goodwill)

   2,896,084    2,558,534    2,768,981
    
  
  

Consolidated assets

   24,325,601    26,085,919    27,125,457
    
  
  
     December 31,

     2001

   2002

   2003

Liabilities

              

Segment liabilities

              

Synthetic Fibers

   455,129    463,353    393,708

Resins and Plastics

   857,181    883,852    852,185

Intermediate Petrochemicals

   350,882    351,358    371,081

Petroleum Products

   1,425,408    1,157,136    1,036,311

All others

   156,370    189,468    175,076
    
  
  

Total segment liabilities

   3,244,970    3,045,167    2,828,361
    
  
  

Unallocated:

              

(including Loans, Income tax payable and Deferred income)

   7,659,002    8,693,785    8,933,970
    
  
  

Consolidated liabilities

   10,903,972    11,738,952    11,762,331
    
  
  

 

F - 43


Table of Contents
26. OPERATING SEGMENT DATA (continued)

 

     Years ended December 31,

     2001

   2002

   2003

Depreciation

              

Synthetic Fibers

   183,969    217,979    261,810

Resins and Plastics

   309,853    344,525    359,380

Intermediate Petrochemicals

   445,212    520,426    648,628

Petroleum Products

   270,013    346,040    409,152

All others

   150,595    171,371    193,865
    
  
  

Consolidated depreciation expense

   1,359,642    1,600,341    1,872,835
    
  
  
     Years ended December 31,

     2001

   2002

   2003

Expenditures for segment long-lived assets

              

Synthetic Fibers

   470,090    470,066    123,335

Resins and Plastics

   882,146    79,487    121,630

Intermediate Petrochemicals

   1,134,557    989,103    746,555

Petroleum Products

   1,483,291    666,423    188,019

All others

   388,092    199,214    105,329
    
  
  

Consolidated expenditures for segment long-lived assets

   4,358,176    2,404,293    1,284,868
    
  
  

 

F - 44


Table of Contents
27. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

Financial assets of the Company and the Group include cash and cash equivalents, deposits with financial institutions, investments, trade debtors, bills receivable, deposits, other debtors and prepayments and amounts due from related companies. Financial liabilities of the Company and the Group include bank loans, trade creditors, bills payable, accrued expenses and other creditors and amounts due to related companies. The Group does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes. The Group had no positions in derivative contracts at December 31, 2002 and 2003.

 

  (a) Interest rate risk

 

The interest rates and terms of repayment of loans of the Group are disclosed in Note 20.

 

  (b) Credit risk

 

The Group’s financial instruments do not represent a concentration of credit risk because the Group deals with a variety of major financial institutions with good credit ratings, and its trade debtors are spread among a number of major industries and customers.

 

  (c) Foreign currency risk

 

The Group has foreign currency risk as certain loans and cash and cash equivalents are denominated in foreign currencies, principally U.S. dollars and Hong Kong dollars. Depreciation or appreciation of Renminbi against foreign currencies will affect the Group’s financial position and results of operations.

 

  (d) Fair value

 

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time and based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

 

F - 45


Table of Contents
27. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

 

The following table presents the carrying amounts and fair values of the Group’s long-term bank loans at December 31, 2001 and 2002:

 

     2002

   2003

    

Carrying

amount


   Fair value

  

Carrying

amount


   Fair value

Long-term bank loans

   5,368,480    5,370,509    4,205,989    4,204,084
    
  
  
  

 

Long-term bank loans – the fair values are estimated based on applying a discounted cash flow using current market interest rates for similar financial instruments.

 

Investments primarily represent equity interests in joint ventures. There is no quoted market price for such interests in the PRC, and accordingly a reasonable estimate of fair value could not be made without incurring excessive costs. Further details pertinent to these interests are disclosed in Note 17.

 

The fair values of cash, trade debtors, bills receivable, deposits, other debtors, trade creditors, other creditors and amounts due to/from related companies are not materially different from their carrying amounts due to their short-term nature.

 

Time deposits and short-term bank loans – the carrying value is estimated to approximate fair value based on the nature or short-term maturity of these instruments.

 

F - 46


Table of Contents
28. SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN IFRS AND ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES GENERALLY ACCEPTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (“U.S. GAAP”)

 

The Group’s accounting policies conform with IFRS which differ in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented below.

 

  (a) Foreign exchange gains and losses

 

Under IFRS, foreign exchange differences on funds borrowed for construction are capitalized as property, plant and equipment to the extent that they are regarded as an adjustment to interest costs during the construction period. In the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, no foreign exchange differences were capitalized to property, plant and equipment. Under U.S. GAAP, all foreign exchange gains and losses on foreign currency debt are included in current earnings. In 2001, 2002 and 2003, the U.S. GAAP adjustments represent the effect of amortization of amounts previously capitalized.

 

  (b) Capitalization of property, plant and equipment

 

In years prior of those presented herein, certain adjustments arose between IFRS and the U.S. GAAP with regard to the capitalization of interest and pre-production results under IFRS, that were reversed and expensed under U.S. GAAP. For the years presented herein, no adjustments related to the capitalization of construction costs, including capitalized interest, are necessary. Accordingly, the U.S. GAAP adjustments for 2001, 2002 and 2003 represent the amortization effect of such originating adjustments described above.

 

  (c) Revaluation of property, plant and equipment

 

In the years prior to those presented herein, the property, plant and equipment of the Company were revalued to reflect the then current fair value resulting in a revaluation surplus recorded in the Company’s financial statements. Additional depreciation charges have been taken in the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 on the revaluation surplus of RMB1,576,330.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, property, plant and equipment are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. However, as a result of the tax deductibility of the revaluation, a deferred tax asset related to the reversal of the revaluation surplus is created under U.S. GAAP with a corresponding increase in shareholders’ equity.

 

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Table of Contents
28. SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN IFRS AND U.S. GAAP (continued)

 

  (d) Capitalized interest on investment in associates

 

Under IFRS, investment accounted for by the equity method is not considered a qualifying asset for which interest is capitalized. Under U.S. GAAP, an investment accounted for by the equity method while the investee has activities in progress necessary to commence its planned principal operations, provided that the investee’s activities include the use of funds to acquire qualifying assets for its operations, is a qualifying asset for which interest is capitalized.

 

  (e) Goodwill and negative goodwill amortization

 

Under IFRS, goodwill and negative goodwill are amortized on a systematic basis over their useful lives.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, with reference to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS No. 142”), goodwill is no longer amortized beginning January 1, 2002, the date that SFAS No. 142 was adopted. Instead, goodwill will be reviewed for impairment upon adoption of SFAS No. 142 and annually thereafter. In addition, under U.S. GAAP, negative goodwill that existed at the date of adoption of SFAS No. 142 was written off effective January 1, 2002 as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle.

 

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Table of Contents
28. SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN IFRS AND U.S. GAAP (continued)

 

  (f) Basic earnings per share

 

The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on the net profit under U.S. GAAP of RMB1,568,439 (2002: RMB 1,124,623, 2001: RMB 300,130) and the number of shares in issue during the year of 7,200,000,000 (2002: 7,200,000,000, 2001: 7,200,000,000). Basic earnings per ADS is calculated on the basis that one ADS is equivalent to 100 shares.

 

The amount of diluted earnings per share is not presented as there were no dilutive potential ordinary shares in existence for both years.

 

  (g) Recently issued accounting standards

 

SFAS No. 150

 

In May 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity”. SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for the classification and measurement of certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It also includes required disclosures for financial instruments within its scope. For the Group, SFAS No. 150 was effective for instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003 and otherwise will be effective at the beginning of the first financial year beginning after June 15, 2003. For certain mandatory redeemable financial instruments, SFAS No. 150 will be effective for the Group on January 1, 2005. The effective date has been deferred indefinitely for certain other types of mandatory redeemable financial instruments. The Group currently does not have any financial instruments that are within the scope of SFAS No. 150.

 

F - 49


Table of Contents
28. SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN IFRS AND U.S. GAAP (continued)

 

  (g) Recently issued accounting standards (continued)

 

FIN No. 46 and 46R

 

In December 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN 46R), which addresses how a business enterprise should evaluate whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity through means other than voting rights and accordingly should consolidate the entity. FIN 46R replaces FASB Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities”, which was issued in January 2003. The Group will be required to apply FIN 46R to variable interests in Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) created after December 31, 2003. For variable interests in VIEs created before January 1, 2004, the Interpretation will be applied beginning on January 1, 2005. For any VIEs that must be consolidated under FIN 46R that were created before January 1, 2004, the assets, liabilities and non-controlling interests of the VIEs initially would be measured at their carrying amounts with any difference between the net amount added to the balance sheet and any previously recognised interest being recognised as the cumulative effect of an accounting change. If determining the carrying amounts is not practicable, fair value at the date FIN 46R first applies may be used to measure the assets, liabilities and non-controlling interest of the VIEs. The Group does not expect the application of this Interpretation will have a material impact on its financial statements.

 

F - 50


Table of Contents
28. SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN IFRS AND U.S. GAAP (continued)

 

Effects on net income of significant differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP:

 

    

Note

 

    Years ended December 31,

 
       2001

    2002

    2003

 

Net income under IFRS

           116,049       916,365       1,401,690  

U.S. GAAP adjustments:

                              

Foreign exchange gains and losses

   (a )     37,054       37,054       37,054  

Capitalization of property, plant and equipment

   (b )     21,703       21,703       21,703  

Depreciation charge on revalued property, plant and equipment

   (c )     133,491       129,995       129,995  

Capitalized interest on investment in associates

   (d )     24,318       20,996       7,045  

Goodwill and negative goodwill amortization

   (e )     —         10,144       322  

Cumulative effect of adopting SFAS No. 142

   (e )     —         19,828       —    

Tax effect of the above adjustments

           (32,485 )     (31,462 )     (29,370 )
          


 


 


Net income under U.S. GAAP

           300,130       1,124,623       1,568,439  
          


 


 


Basic earnings per share under U.S. GAAP

   (f )   RMB 0.042     RMB 0.156     RMB 0.218  
          


 


 


Basic earnings per ADS under U.S. GAAP

   (f )   RMB 4.168     RMB 15.620     RMB 21.784  
          


 


 


 

F - 51


Table of Contents
28. SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN IFRS AND U.S. GAAP (continued)

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 142’s disclosure requirements, a reconciliation of reported net income under U.S. GAAP to adjusted net income under U.S. GAAP is presented below.

 

     Years ended December 31,

     2001

    2002

   2003

     RMB     RMB    RMB

Reported net income under U.S. GAAP

     300,130       1,124,623      1,568,439

Add : Goodwill amortization

     13,448       —        —  

Less: Amortization of negative goodwill

     (3,304 )     —        —  
    


 

  

Adjusted net income under U.S. GAAP

     310,274       1,124,623      1,568,439
    


 

  

Adjusted basic earnings per share under U.S. GAAP

   RMB 0.043     RMB 0.156    RMB 0.218
    


 

  

Adjusted basic earnings per ADS under U.S. GAAP

   RMB 4.309     RMB 15.620    RMB 21.784
    


 

  

Adjusted net income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle under U.S. GAAP

     310,274       1,104,795      1,568,439
    


 

  

 

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Table of Contents
28. SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN IFRS AND U.S. GAAP (continued)

 

Effect on shareholders’ equity of significant differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP is as follows:

 

    

Note

 

    December 31,

 
       2002

    2003

 

Shareholders’ equity under IFRS, as previously report

         13,980,196     15,021,886  

U.S. GAAP adjustments:

                  

Foreign exchange gains and losses

   (a )   (39,527 )   (2,473 )

Capitalization of property, plant and equipment

   (b )   (43,410 )   (21,707 )

Revaluation of property, plant and equipment

   (c )   (323,511 )   (193,516 )

Capitalized interest on investment in associates

   (d )   45,314     52,359  

Goodwill and negative goodwill

   (e )   29,972     30,294  

Tax effect of the above adjustments

         54,171     24,801  
          

 

Shareholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP

         13,703,205     14,911,644  
          

 

 

F - 53


Table of Contents

Exhibit Index

 

No.

 

Exhibit


12.1   Certification of Chairman Required by Rule 13a-14(a)
12.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(a)
13.1   Certification of Chairman Required by Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code
13.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code