TIC Council has established a representative office in China in 2021. In your view, what are the reasons and necessities behind the move? Which role do you believe TIC Council can have in China?

China has been ranked as No. 1 in terms of foreign trade all over the world, accounting for 15% of the global TIC market. Such a robust import and export volume implies great potential for the growth of the TIC sector in China. Given this, it is reasonable to establish a presence in those regions, like China, where TIC services are intensively required.

Shanghai is positioning itself as an international financial, trading, economic and shipping centre. It also hosts the headquarters of many of our global members. Therefore, Shanghai has been chosen to host TIC Council’s representative office in China. 

TIC Council China will play three main roles: first, promoting the TIC council vision, that is, to protect the public, support innovation and facilitate trade, while promoting best practices in safety, quality, health, ethics and sustainability. Second, supporting China in building and leveraging its national quality infrastructure. Third, speaking as one voice on behalf of its member companies.

You have been working in the TIC sector for over 10 years. What are the main opportunities and challenges for the near future, according to your experience?

The Chinese economy has shifted from mainly export-driven to dual-circulation by boosting internal consumption. For the TIC sector,  one of the most exciting opportunities consists in ensuring the quality of products that are imported in China, including commodities, consumer products, industry products and services.

On the other hand, China is leading in the sectors of e-commerce, renewables, digitalization and online ordering/delivery economy. High quality products are more and more appreciated by Chinese consumers. These areas constitute a great opportunity for the TIC sector to formulate and innovate its business.

China has been spending heavily on infrastructure in the past decades, and it is estimated that investments on maintenance facilities will increase in the near future. TIC companies with services on project management will see great growing opportunities. In recent years, domestic TIC companies, either state-owned, private or mixed, are catching up with improved technologies and increased investments. International TIC companies have to come up with innovative solutions to meet the challenges from the market. I can foresee tightened regulations from local policymakers to secure a healthy development of the TIC sector.

2022 marks a new chapter for TIC China. What will its priorities and main goals be?

In order to better position TIC Council China, we will strive to maintain regular communication with local authorities and understand their expectations. Different working groups will be better interconnected in order to cooperate and align on actions.

Our goal in 2022 is to build the foundation to pave the way for an international, comprehensive leading TIC communication platform. In this regard, TIC China will prepare and publish a white paper over the course of 2022.  In addition, we will organize seminars with our members to enhance interaction with governments, industry associations and different stakeholders. We will also be present at important meetings and exhibitions to promote TIC Council and its activities.