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THE NEXT LEVEL B


SI’s outstanding reputation for standards development has helped it win a UK Government contract to support China in its aim to implement international


standards and take a leading role in international standards development. The contract for standards development


forms part of the China Business Environment Programme (BEP) financed by the UK Government’s Prosperity Fund, which supports the sustainable and inclusive economic growth needed to reduce poverty in partner countries. The fund’s focus is on middle-income countries eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA). This is where 60% of the world’s poor live and where 60% of global growth is expected to come from by 2030. The objective of the BEP is to improve the business environment in China by strengthening the legal and regulatory framework and how it is implemented. It focuses on five areas; standards, investment environment, commercial dispute resolution, anti-money laundering and intellectual property protection. The aim of the standards component is to


improve the adoption, use and development of international standards in China and encourage all enterprises, large or small, to work more effectively and support inclusive economic development. Ben Greenwood, First Secretary, Trade


Policy, British Embassy Beijing, who is responsible for the strategic direction of the China Business Environment Programme, said, “The launch of the standards strand marks a key milestone for the China


A real partnership


“The aim of the standards component is to improve the adoption, use and development of international standards in China and encourage all enterprises, large or small, to work more effectively ...”


Business Environment programme. This is an important step in our work, in partnership with China, to strengthen China’s business environment and promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth. We’re delighted to be working with BSI, which brings expertise on international standards to this project.”


The Prosperity Fund has the secondary benefit of strengthening economic ties with partner countries and supporting trade and investment opportunities for international business. It is an example of ‘soft power’ the UK is able to wield internationally in areas where it has experience and expertise, such as standards development.


Director of Standards Scott Steedman with Kelly Tolhurst MP and Dr Tian Shihong after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between BSI and SAC


CONTENTS


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