Think Global Act Local: Insights into Doing Business In India and Middle East with Patty Summers of Zeochem - Ep 189

Sharing insights on the complexities of managing global chemical businesses, Patty Summers, Global Business Director at Zeochem, joins host Victoria Meyer on this episode of The Chemical Show. Patty, drawing from her extensive experience in the molecular sieve industry, discusses how Zeochem navigates diverse regional markets through strategic partnerships with distributors and agents. She shares valuable insights about doing business in India's ethanol market, where government initiatives and unique funding structures significantly impact project timelines, and explains the critical importance of having local presence and understanding cultural nuances in different regions.

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Victoria and Patty discuss how mid-sized chemical companies can effectively balance global strategy with local execution, particularly in today's challenging market conditions. Summers discusses the role of sustainability in different regions, noting how natural gas continues to serve as a bridge fuel in the energy transition. Victoria and Patty also make note of the potential impact of changing trade policies and tariffs, particularly regarding U.S.-China trade relations, and how companies like Zeochem are adapting their sourcing and market strategies in response. Patty emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistent long-term strategies while remaining adaptable to regional market dynamics and regulatory changes. 

Join us to learn more about the following topics this week: 

• Global Business Partnerships: The importance of distributors and agents
• Cultural considerations in international markets, focusing on India and the Middle East 
• India's ethanol market and project-based business management  
• Sustainability and Clean Energy Transition: Natural gas as a bridge fuel 
• Trade Policy Impact: Discussion of tariffs and their effects on global business 
• Regional market strategy and managing business across diverse global markets 

Killer Quote: "When it comes down to the selling process, it's more than just the words. There's a deeper level of connection that you're trying to reach... it's easier to get to that win-win in the local language with that level of trust." --Patty Summers

Other links:  

Confronting Change In The Chemical Industry: Discussing Leadership And Sustainability with Patty Summers 

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