Quality is Key to Success

September 18, 2021

The 4th China Quality Conference was held in Hangzhou on September 16 - 17, 2021, co-hosted by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), the People's Government of Zhejiang Province and the Hangzhou Municipal People's Government. President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the Conference. State Councilor Wang Yong delivered a keynote speech. Mr. Zhang Gong, Minister of SAMR, presided over the Opening Ceremony. Mr. Yuan Jiajun, Secretary of Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the CPC, Ms. Carola Schouten, Deputy Prime Minister of Netherlands, Mr. Sommad Pholsena, Vice President of the National Assembly of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mr. Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Jean-Marie Paugam, Deputy Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Mr. Eddy Njoroge, President of the International Organization for Standardization, Mr. Li Yong, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Mr. Martin Milton, Director of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures, addressed the Opening Ceremony. Ms. Liu Hua, Director of WIPO Office in China (WOC), attended the Opening Ceremony as invited.

In his letter, President Xi pointed out that quality is a key guarantee for production and life, and each reform and innovation in quality has promoted progress in production technology and improved people's living standards. China is committed to quality improvement, with across-the-board efforts to enhance quality management and promote reforms for better quality, higher efficiency and more robust growth drivers, in an effort to pursue high-quality development. Xi highlighted the nation's commitment to work with other countries in strengthening international cooperation on quality improvements, jointly promoting reform and innovation in the area and bolstering infrastructure connectivity in this regard to contribute to global economic growth and a better future for humanity.

Highlights of video speech by WIPO Director General Mr. Daren Tang:

From petrol cars to electric vehicles, from cash to mobile wallets, from brick and mortar shops to e-commerce platforms, the habits and patterns of our lives have been transformed.

While we marvel at these feats of innovation and creativity, it is important to step back and remember that quality has been key and continues to be key to their success. And, in an uncertain world, quality will stand out even more as a differentiator and marker of credibility, reputation and achievement.

This is something China understands very well. Over a thousand years ago, the importance of quality was a key feature in the trading of silk and porcelain during the Tang Dynasty. This has been acknowledged by President Xi Jinping, who – in his letter to the 2nd CQC – pointed out, that the quality of these ancient Chinese goods was a key factor in the promotion of commerce and trade. It also helped to facilitate cultural exchanges between peoples in different parts of the world.

Modern Chinese firms continue to apply these same principles today. Over the past few decades, China has become a global leader in innovation. More and more Chinese products and brands, from Huawei to Xiaomi; Ehang to Ninebot, have gained a global reputation for design appeal and creative flair.

Indeed, China’s transition from a labor-based to a knowledge-driven economy, is one of the world’s most significant economic trends. This is reflected in China’s leadership of several important IP indicators and its strong performance in WIPO’s Global Innovation Index, the 2021 edition of which will be released next week.

Quality is also a vital component of WIPO’s work and the global IP services that we provide. As the UN agency for innovation and creativity, WIPO is committed to creating a balanced and effective global IP ecosystem. Our vision, as articulated within our recently published Medium Term Strategy Plan, is of a world where innovation and creativity from anywhere is supported by IP, for the good of everyone. Quality is also a vital component of WIPO’s work and the global IP services that we provide. As the UN agency for innovation and creativity, WIPO is committed to creating a balanced and effective global IP ecosystem. Our vision, as articulated within our recently published Medium Term Strategy Plan, is of a world where innovation and creativity from anywhere is supported by IP, for the good of everyone.

Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been able to continue to provide our stakeholders with the global IP services they rely upon – as well as introducing new measures to further improve our operational efficiency over the last year. In a global economy increasingly defined by intangible assets such as patents, brands, content, software and designs, which are also becoming the most important assets in the Chinese economy.

WIPO will continue to support Member States, including developing and least-developed countries, to strengthen their IP ecosystems and build global respect for IP. This includes reaching communities such as small and medium sized enterprises, start-ups, women and youth, who have often been on the margins of the global IP ecosystem.

Together, we must foster a far more inclusive and accessible IP ecosystem which enables the full sum of our collective talents to use IP as a powerful tool for growth and sustainable development. As we gear up to face this future, IP issues and the quality of intellectual property will be of increasing relevance to the global economy. WIPO therefore welcomes the CQC’s emphasis on quality evolution, digital empowerment, green development and global synergy.

And we look forward to working with all Member States and our global partners to build an inclusive, balanced and forward-looking IP ecosystem which benefits everyone, everywhere.

About China Quality Conference

The China Quality Conference (CQC) is a biennial international conference hosted by the Chinese government, aiming to strengthen international quality cooperation, exchange experience and innovation achievements on quality management, promote quality infrastructure connectivity, thus to boost high-quality socioeconomic development. Since 2014, the CQC has been successfully held for three times in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen respectively. The 4th CQC, themed with “Quality Evolution, Digital Empowerment, Green Development, Global Synergy”, was held in Hangzhou, consisting of the opening ceremony, six parallel sessions and the closing ceremony. The 4th China Quality Awards was given at the conference. About 600 representatives from more than 50 countries, 14 international and regional organizations, and also from enterprises and social groups attended the 4th CQC and issued the Hangzhou Quality Initiative.