Sep 14 2006
Today sees the launch of Professional Institutions UK China (PI-UKChina), a collaborative venture of 15 leading UK professional institutions with interests in China. PI-UKChina is a unique initiative amongst British professional institutions which recognises China as one of the world’s most rapidly developing markets for built environment, construction and engineering activity internationally.
Collaborating institutions cover the built environment and engineering sectors and represent in excess of 500,000 individual members. China is a huge and fast-growing market for these professions, and Chinese students and professionals are keen to learn from UK expertise and gain a highly-valued international qualification.
The purpose of PI-UKChina is to provide access to a range of knowledge on the built environment and engineering professions, and to develop opportunities for collaboration between Chinese and UK professionals. PI-UKChina is working with Chinese universities, associations and industries to enhance professional relationships and collaboration and provide access to UK professional qualifications.
One of PI-UKChina’s ongoing projects is a study into career paths in China and links to UK professional training and Chinese qualifications and accreditation systems. A bilingual website has been created giving brief information about each institution with links to their websites: www.piuk-china.com
The keynote speaker at the launch reception, the Rt. Hon Nick Raynsford MP, said:
‘The launch of PI-UKChina opens a new chapter on the increasing collaboration of UK professional institutions. Together we welcome the opportunity to work more closely with Chinese professionals across the sector from urban planning, through design, to management of the built environment, in tackling the important challenges faced by our international communities.’
Commenting on the launch of PI-UKChina, Michael Brown, chairman of the UK Steering Committee of PI-UKChina said:
"China has the largest construction industry in the world. UK professional institutions are recognised as world leaders in their disciplines and collaboration with Chinese professionals is vitally important in being part of the international built environment and engineering industries. PI-UKChina is unique in providing a common voice and point of influence when working with the Chinese government, higher education institutions and industries."