CIOB expands into China

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has opened new offices in China, in order to support its growing role in the country.

Located in the business district of Shanghai, the CIOB's new office will further increase the CIOB's presence in the city, as well as the larger east China region.

"The opening of our third office in China is a sign of our continuous success and development across the region," said Fabio Casula, head of CIOB International.

"This new branch will be responsible for managing, supporting, and growing our activities in east China and complements our other offices in Beijing and Chongqing."

The CIOB seeks to promote the importance of the built environment and lead the industry in the creation of a sustainable future worldwide.

It also plays a role in setting the standards in quality, safety and qualification.

"Strategically the office will also help us to increase our level of activity in the surrounding major cities such as Suzhou where we already have members and host CIOB workshops and training," said Mr Casula.

"These cities are of great economic importance for the construction industry."

The official launch coincided with the graduation of 40 new CIOB members, who are now part of the organisation's growing international network.

"Our CIOB east China administrative centre, was the first CIOB Centre to launch a training programme aimed at experienced Chinese professionals, and we are about to launch similar programmes in Beijing and Chongqing," continued Mr Casula.

The CIOB has been working with the Ministry of Construction (MoC) in China since 1993, and now has almost 1,400 members - many of whom are working on the country's most prestigious projects like the Beijing Olympics.

In Shanghai CIOB members have contributed to some of the country's most successful projects like the Shanghai financial centre as well as major residential and commercial developments.

Chris O'Toole