MEM Delegation. Source: DGUV
Berlin, Germany – 28 July 2023 — The recent visits of delegations from the Chinese Ministry of Emergency Management (MEM) and the National Health Commission (NHC) to Europe mark a significant milestone in the ongoing project titled “Contributing to Policymaking in Occupational Safety and Health: Successful Collaboration between China and the EU”: The successful completion of the pilot data collection. Organised by the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), the events facilitated crucial discussions and cooperation between high-ranking officials from China and their European counterparts, paving the way for the crucial third phase of the project – the dissemination of the results to audiences in China and Europe.
Ministry of Emergency Management (MEM) Delegation – 17 to 21 July 2023
The MEM delegation, led by Mr. Shuangzhong Zheng, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Investigation, Assessment, and Statistics of the Chinese Ministry of Emergency Management (MEM), engaged in a series of workshops and meetings with German and European ministries, including the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) and the Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion of the European Commission (DG EMPL) in Brussels. Topics covered included project results, experiences from pilot initiatives in China, and collaboration on occupational safety strategies.
Next to the political meetings listed above, the detailed agenda featured sessions at the DGUV headquarters and a company visit to Shell Safety Center in Cologne. The delegation also explored insights from the Ahr flood disaster, emphasizing the importance of disaster management and work accident insurance.
National Health Commission (NHC) Delegation – 24 to 28 July 2023
Following MEM’s visit, the NHC delegation, led by Mr. Zongzhi Wu, Director General of the Department of Occupational Health at the National Health Commission of China, delved into discussions on project achievements, current political developments in the health sector, and data-related issues. The agenda included a visit to the Work Accident Insurance Clinic Berlin (UKB) and engagements with the German Ministry of Health (BMG).
The NHC delegation further extended its visit to Bochum, Cologne, and Luxembourg, involving site tours at the Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine and a company visit to Covestro AG. The discussions culminated in meetings with the Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion of the European Commission (DG EMPL) in Luxembourg.
Political Significance
The collaborative efforts between the Chinese ministries and European institutions underscore the political significance of fostering international cooperation in occupational safety and health. The meetings aimed at sharing best practices, discussing policy issues, and exploring potential future collaborations. This joint endeavour aligns with the overarching goal of contributing to evidence-based policymaking in occupational safety and health.
The project, initiated by DGUV, focuses on strengthening ties between China and the EU in occupational safety and health policymaking. It involves a series of workshops, site visits, and discussions to promote mutual learning and collaboration.
