ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

In China, the Industry Cleaning Association of China was founded at the end of last month, with the aim of promoting the professional development of the country's cleaning sector.

"The founding of the association will boost the industry's technology upgrading and provide a fresh impetus for the sector," said Shao Ning, vice director of the state-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission.

Gu Xiulian, the former head of the now defunct government agency that had supervised the chemical industry, added the industrial cleaning sector has played a key role in promoting energy conservation and emissions reduction in the country.

She said she hopes the association will fully perform its functions by helping member companies to explore business opportunities, strengthen their exchanges with governments and protect their rights.

According to official figures the Chinese cleaning sector was worth just over 17 billion euros last year. The cleaning association already has more than 350 member companies - providing cleaning services in a range of industries.