CHEMICALS

DuPont, BASF to Build Asian Plant: DuPont Co. and BASF said they agreed to form a joint venture to build the $750-million facility, most likely in China, to make nylon ingredients for the Asian market. The venture will be an equal partnership uniting two of the world’s largest chemical companies in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Demand for nylon textiles, carpets and plastics is expected to increase with the economic growth, the companies said. DuPont, based in Wilmington, Del., is the largest chemical company in the U.S. and the world’s second-largest after Germany’s Hoechst, according to trade publication Chemical Week. Germany-based BASF is the world’s third-largest chemical maker. DuPont said construction will begin in 1998.