City launches chief quality officer system

Shanghai has introduced a chief quality officer (CQO) system to raise awareness of and improve quality, the city's market watchdog said on Tuesday.

CQOs are senior level management personnel authorized by companies to be in charge of quality safety and quality development, the Shanghai Administration for Market Regulation said. 

Their duties include ensuring companies implement laws, policies and regulations on quality, standardization, certification and accreditation, testing and quality assessments with "veto power" on quality issues, the administration said. 

CQOs are also responsible for drafting and implementing companies' quality brand strategies and conducting cultural activities, education and training on quality for employees, it said.

CQO should hold a bachelor’s degree or above.

"The system will raise companies' awareness of quality, promote the application and innovation of advanced quality management methods, lift quality and industrial transformation and upgrade enterprises in the city," said Chen Xuejun, director of the administration. 

A notice on implementation of the system was issued by nine city government authorities including the Development and Reform Commission and Commission of Commerce. 

By 2022, the city should have 500 CQOs at large enterprises and small- and medium-sized companies will be encouraged to establish a CQO system, according to the notice. 

Ten CQOs from Shanghai Micro Electronics Equipment (Group) Co Ltd and Shanghai Municipal Engineering Design Institute (Group) Co Ltd received appointment certificates on Tuesday.