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SGS sets up third-party lab in Dalian

By Zhu Chengpei and Zhang Xiaomin (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-03-09 16:35

Swiss-based inspection and testing firm SGS Group set up a third-party food laboratory in a local company on Monday in Dalian of Liaoning province.

"As the first SGS food lab in Northeast China, the SGS-CSTC Zhangzidao Food Lab will serve the agricultural and fishery companies like Dalian Zhangzidao Fishery Group Co Ltd in and around Dalian with one-stop services covering every aspect of production," said Richard Shentu, executive director of SGS-CSTC, a joint venture between SGS Group and China Standard Technology Development Corp, at the unveiling ceremony.

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Founded in 1878, SGS operates more than 1,000 offices and laboratories worldwide.

According to Shentu, the new lab will help local companies sharpen their competitive edge amid the global economic slowdown.

"SGS is recognized as a global benchmark in quality and integrity. It can help our clients upgrade the international accreditation and brand image for their products," said Shentu.

"Besides, by acting locally, SGS can help its clients reach the newest standards and management concepts and pass the advanced certification with less cost in a shorter period of time,"he added.

"As a leader in Chinese aquaculture, Zhangzidao Fishery is in a right position to introduce advanced standards into the domestic market," said Wu Hougang, President of Zhangzidao Fishery.

"In January, our sales volume reached 100 million yuan ($14.62 million), one third of which come form exports," Wu said.

Despite the unprecedented sales volume, the company still regards quality and safety as its lifeblood, said Wu.

"Therefore, we are cooperating with SGS, hoping to upgrade the quality and safety system of not only Zhangzidao Fishery but also that of China's aquaculture industry," he said.

Sun Guangtian, Vice-Mayor of Dalian, said the lab represents cooperation between an international inspection pacesetter and a leading Chinese aquatic provider.

"Although the government institutions play an important role in guaranteeing the quality and safety of products, the self-conscious inspection conducted by companies will be more effective," Sun said.