World-leading engineering firm Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) will continue to make more effort to cement its presence in China in light of opportunities brought about by the 2008 Olympic Games and booming economy.

As a planning, architecture, engineering and construction management service provider for tunnels, bridges, transport systems, highways, airports, ports and marine facilities, PB's annual revenue amounted to US$1.4 billion globally last year.

"However, the Chinese business only accounts for 4 per cent of the total," Thomas J O'Neil, president and CEO of PB, said.

"We must speed up, as the huge market potential here has attracted more and more powerful businesses."

PB launched its Guangzhou representative office this month, its branches in China now adding up to seven. The other six were set up in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Macao.

Entering China in 1978, the engineering giant has worked on some of China's premier building projects, including Beijing Oriental Plaza, Shanghai City Centre complex, Shenzhen World Trade Centre and Beijing SOHO residential development.

PB has also made inroads into other sectors, such as transport and power.

The projects PB has finished include the Shenzhen metro network, Shanghai metro Line Eight tunnelling, as well as the design and development of a tri-generation system for Beijing GAs's new headquarters.

O'Neil said the firm is proud of its participation in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games preparations, having designed the Olympic transport system.

"We expect to have chances to get involved in more projects based on our rich experiences in similar projects, our high-profile expertise and internationally leading technology," said O'Neil.

The CEO believed localization could facilitate his company's faster expansion on the local market.

For PB, China is home to more than 900 staff, while 85 per cent of them are local engineers and support personnel.

"It is our policy to develop the skills of local engineers and train them in the latest international engineering practices and technology," said O'Neil, adding that this policy has resulted in PB being able to undertake projects that satisfy international codes and standards yet meet all local government regulations efficiently.

"Meanwhile, we enjoy an excellent working relationship in China with local government departments and design institutes and have acquired extensive knowledge and understanding of local codes and standards, which may smooth our penetration in China," O'Neil said.

(China Daily 06/14/2005 page11)