Cape Town, September 7 (People's Daily Online) - The China Classification Society (CCS) launches a new branch in Cape Town, South Africa on Firday.

Chinese Economic and Commercial Counselor in South Africa Rong Yansong, Western Cape Social Development Minister Mr. Albert Fritez, Acting Consul General of China in Cape Town Mrs Libei Li, general manager of the European Center of the CCS Zhang Hui, representatives from various Chinese and South African enterprises attended the opening ceremony.

At the opening ceremony, Mr. Rong addressed that the establishment of Cape Town branch of CCS was an important step of CCS's Global strategy and the further extension of CCS' service network. CCS would provide strong support for customers on African continent, conforming to China's "go global" strategy.

Mr. Albert Fritz said he'd love to see the CCS extending out opportunity to young people. The Western Cape government had identified shipping associated industries as one of the strategic areas to drive economic growth, improve job creation.

Zhang Hui, the general manager of the European Center of the CCS, said that the establishment of the new branch was expected to alleviate the pressure on Cape Town, which has one of the busiest ports in South Africa.

The CCS, administered by China's Transport Ministry, is the only institution responsible for vessel classification and setting vessel classification rules in China. They strive to the safeguarding of life and property at sea, fully committed to the prevention of pollution in marine environment.