UK expertise to help Chinese constructor

A major Chinese construction company plans to utilize a British consultancy's expertise in urban development and transport infrastructure projects to aid in China's ongoing urbanization, which aims to improve the population's quality of life.

Atkins, based in London, and China Communications Construction Co signed a memorandum of understanding for global strategic cooperation on Friday in Beijing, marking the start of a long-term partnership.

The city planning and project design consulting company and China Harbor Engineering Co, a subsidiary of CCCC, also signed a global cooperation agreement to foster their strategic partnership, CCCC said.

The UK firm will supplement CCCC by consulting on projects in city development and major transport infrastructure delivery, both in China and overseas markets, at a time when Chinese firms are seeking investment opportunities abroad.

CCCC group is seeking further growth through active participation in and competition for overseas projects with external assistance.

Atkins has a breadth and depth of expertise and extensive experience in delivering large and complex city development and infrastructure projects around the world.

The global strategic cooperation is expected to provide CCCC with holistic consultancy services of international standards, to help them maintain their competitive position in the overseas market and achieve further growth. The cooperation will create synergies and provide a win-win for both parties.

"Atkins has extensive experience to plan, design and deliver large-scale and challenging infrastructure projects around the globe, particularly in the transportation sector," said Uwe Krueger, Atkins' chief executive officer.

"We share the same value of bringing a consistently high standard of service to our clients," he added.

Chris Birdsong, Atkins' chief executive officer for the Asia-Pacific region, said, "I am confident the strategic cooperation with such strong partners will bring benefits and opportunities for all parties to grow."

CCCC, with its subsidiaries, is the first large State-owned transportation infrastructure group to enter the overseas capital market. CHEC has been developing and operating CCCC's overseas business.

"CCCC is committed to further growing our business abroad, according to our mission of ‘consolidating foundations and building roads' and the vision of ‘unblocking the world'. Having a strategic partner who can bring in world-class consultancy, knowledge and experience will help us achieve our business growth abroad and bring synergy for both parties to unlock more opportunities," said Sun Ziyu, the company's vice-president.

Mo Wenhe, chairman of CHEC, said: "CHEC has over 10,000 domestic and international employees, undertaking $10 billion worth of projects, and continues to strive for further growth. The cooperation with Atkins is vital for us to maintain our leading position as an international contractor and gain more competitiveness in the global market."

In-depth discussions between the parties about specific projects have already begun.

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