CHINCA survey our institution
The Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES) President, Harry Glennie FInstCES, welcomed twenty senior delegates from the Chinese organisation, China International Contractors Association (CHINCA) to the Institution's Head Office in Sale, Cheshire.

CHINCA is a trade organisation founded on legitimate and voluntary bases in 1988. The organisation acts as a link between the Chinese government and CHINCA's members, and is engaged in promoting China's international economic and technological co-operation, including international project contracting and labour services. CHINCA has members operating in over 180 countries and regions, with many listed among the leading international contractors.

The CHINCA visit to ICES Head Office formed part of a two week business stay in the UK, as guests of the Institution, during which the Chinese delegates also visited a number of major civil engineering contractors, consultants and other professional organisations, including the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).
The CHINCA representatives received a presentation from the Institution's Education, Training and Membership Committee Chairman, Robin Jones FInstCES, and Marketing and Public Relations Officer, Jacquie Warburton.

Harry Glennie and Robin Jones receive gifts from the
CHINCA delegates

The presentation provided an introduction to the Institution's history, structure, education, training and membership services, together with an overview of the UK civil engineering industry.

Also representing the Institution on the day was Executive Director, Kevin Blackwell FInstCES, Chairman of the Finance and General Purpose Committee, John Wilding FInstCES and SURCO Editor of Publications, Darrell Smart.

CHINCA delegates and ICES representatives outside ICES HQ

With the majority of the CHINCA delegation being key players in China's rail industry, the main purpose of their visit to the country was to acquire a greater understanding of the UK rail network. However, education, training and membership also formed a key area of discussion between both parties during their visit to ICES, as one of CHINCA's core tasks and services is to conduct a variety of training programmes to improve the quality of their industry.

Informal discussions took place, following the presentation between both organisations, in relation to a mutually rewarding association for the future. This included the possible drafting and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, the formation of a new region in China and providing the Institution's education, training and membership services to those studying or employed in China's civil engineering industry.

CHINCA has invited Harry Glennie and representatives of the Institution to visit China for further discussions.