AirLiquideFarEasern increases production capacity

Electronics packaging, food and chemicals for a wide range of products for export and local consumption drives
strong growth in industrial production in Taiwan. Taiwan is one of main countries in the world today (with Japan and
South Korea) where flat-panel displays are manufactured for mobile phones, personal computers, personal digital
assistants and television screens. The need for liquid nitrogen, and the associated services and technologies,
are stimulated by growth in these technologies.

The manufacturing of flat screens based on TFT-LCD (Thin Film Transistor - Liquid Crystal Display) technology
requires very large amounts of ultra-pure gases. This new demand for such gases is in addition to the existing
needs of the Taiwanese semi-conductor industry. Moreover, the flat glass industry requires high volumes of
oxygen to improve combustion in furnaces while reducing polluting emissions into the atmosphere.
It is in this context that Air Liquide is continuing to invest in Taiwan to increase its gas production capacity
to meet the needs of its industrial and electronics customers.

Air Liquide Far Eastern will install a new liquefier in the central region of Taiwan, with a daily capacity of around
300 tons of liquid nitrogen. This will strongly increase the liquid gas production capability of its Taichung air
separation unit. Start-up is scheduled for November 1, 2006. Air Liquide continues to strengthen its position in
the industrial gas market of Taiwan. This investment demonstrates Air Liquide commitment to the region.
Jean-Pierre Duprieu, Air Liquide Group Senior Vice President, Asia-Pacific, said, “Our successful growth in
Taiwan is driven by the continuous development from our existing industrial customer base, and mainly by
the TFT-flat panel industry. This new unit enables us to meet the needs of many customers, for example in
water treatment, glass and color-filters, and to support the growth of existing and future customers in
Taiwan. We are committed to providing them our technological know-how to allow them to continuously
enhance their competitiveness”.

Founded in 1987, Air Liquide in Taiwan (Air Liquide Far Eastern) is a joint venture between Air Liquide Group (65%) and Far
Eastern Group (35%). It employs nearly 350 people mainly dedicated to the electronics and industrial markets. Located in Taipei,
Chupei, Hsinchu, Taichung and Kaohsiung, its 2004 sales were over 100 million euros.

Present in more than 70 countries, Air Liquide provides industrial and medical gases and related services. The Group offers
innovative solutions based on constantly enhanced technologies. These solutions, which are consistent with Air Liquide’s
commitment to sustainable development, help to protect life and enable our customers to manufacture many indispensable
everyday products. Founded in 1902, Air Liquide has more than 36,000 employees. The Group has successfully developed a
long-term relationship with its shareholders built on trust and transparency and guided by the principles of corporate
governance. Since the publication of its first consolidated financial statements in 1971, Air Liquide has posted strong and
steady earnings growth. Sales in 2004 totalled 9,428 million euros, with sales outside France accounting for almost 80%. Air
Liquide is listed on the Paris stock exchange and is a component of the CAC 40 and Eurostoxx 50 indices (ISIN code
FR 0000120073).