direct/ SAI GLOBAL / CQC LANDMARK SERVICES JOINT VENTURE OPENED ON EVE OF APEC

Beijing, China, 16 November 2006. China´s largest certification body the China Quality Certification Centre (CQC) and SAI Global are set to open their first joint venture in the People´s Republic of China to deliver management technologies and training services.

On the eve of the APEC leaders meeting the joint venture has been officially recognised by the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Alexander Downer, who commented: "The opening of this Beijing office is a welcome sign of the continued strong growth in our economic and trade ties with China and the esteem with which Australian companies such as SAI Global are held overseas."

According to the President of CQC, Professor Li: "This landmark initiative will provide Chinese companies with access to technical support in the form of management technologies and training they need. CQC-SAI will also act as an agent to assist Australian companies seeking to exports products and services into China."

The new venture CQC-SAI will be based in Beijing and will draw on the resources of both organizations within China and globally.

The Chief Executive of SAI Global, Mr Ross Wraight said: "SAI´s expanding international network of training professionals, leading edge management practices and its increasingly global presence stands to be of great benefit to Chinese industries who are seeking the best management practices from around the world."

"CQC-SAI will assist to further implement critical management capability and skills into Chinese enterprises, act as an agent to enhance the quality of Chinese products and services and increase economic efficiency and effectiveness," said Mr Wraight.

The joint venture will focus on training and value-add service in the key growth areas including food safety, product safety and quality management in the automotive, aerospace, information technology and telecommunications industries. According to Mr Wraight: "Food safety training is just one example of how CQC-SAI can create added value in a vital area for the Asian economy."

"Through helping industry to better understand internationally recognised quality standards we can help guard against a serious supply chain incident that could have major economic consequences, potential long-term loss of consumer confidence, and the disruption to trade in the APEC region."

The Chairman of CQC-SAI, Mr Liu Chang Sheng, said: "CQC-SAI is committed to delivering management technologies which help to build confidence in supply chains and work to ensure a safe and sustainable environment."

"By acting as an agent, CQC-SAI will help to serve Chinese businesses which are exporting products and services into international markets as well as help Australian companies seeking to export products and services into China," said Mr Liu.

For further information regarding CQC-SAI visit www.saiglobal.com. For media inquiries please contact Tom Godfrey on +61 414 191 034 or email tom.godfrey@sai-global.com. A webcast of the event can be viewed at http://www.streamx.com.au/saiglobal/bej161106/index.htm.

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