SGS to expand certification business
By Qiu Quanlin (China Daily)
Updated: 2006-02-21 06:25

GUANGZHOU: The Switzerland-based SGS Group, an inspection, verification, testing and certification provider, is setting its sights on the Chinese market by expanding its services in the country, in efforts to meet the fast-growing demand and open doors to the global market.

To receive international recognition, domestic manufacturers usually have to send their sample products abroad for testing and verification, which costs large sums of money, as well as time.

SGS's CEO Dan Kerpelman believes that his company will provide Chinese manufacturers with efficient access to the global market.

He said China's fast-growing demand for international inspection and certification is a solid foundation for SGS's continued expansion in the Chinese market.

"Regarding the country's remarkable achievements in economic development, China has leaped to be one of the world's largest inspection and certification markets," said Kerpelman.

He added that his company will expand its investment in China, provide specified services for Chinese enterprises and better help them get access to the international market.

Part of its efforts to accelerate localized service, the company's first comprehensive office building in China was officially opened last Tuesday in Guangzhou, capital of South China's Guangdong Province.

"The operation of the building suggests a continued expansion for SGS's business in the Chinese market," Kerpelman told China Daily.

The building boasts eight laboratories, specializing in food, chemicals and textiles, inspections for agricultural products, minerals and consumer products, international certifications, and guarantee for industry and international trade.

"As a business centre in South China, the building will deliver more convenient and complete services for Chinese enterprises, which can allow their latest products to be tested at home, and receive international certification," said Kerpelman.

SGS first tapped into the Chinese market by jointly setting up SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services Co Ltd with the China Standard Technology Development Corp in 1991.

It now operates 30 branches and over 30 labs in China and tailors diversified services for Chinese enterprises.

For example, SGS introduced Qualicert, a popular service certification worldwide, into China to help the Chinese tertiary industry improve its service and better integrate into the global system.

The Guangzhou Baiyun Airport first applied for the certification last year and officially became China's first company to win the Qualicert certificate recently.

Helmut Chik, managing director of SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services Co Ltd, said the acceleration of localized service allows SGS to provide effective and professional services for more Chinese enterprises and help them expand in the global market while avoiding trade risks.

(China Daily 02/21/2006 page10)