Manpower Inc. Announces Opening of International Partnership Office in Shanghai

Manpower Inc., a world leader in the employment services industry, announced today the launch of its first international partnership office in China.



This initiative is the first in a series of public-private partnerships designed to introduce and adapt international employment best practices to support Chinaís rapidly expanding economy. ìThis is an unprecedented partnership program between a governmental institution in China and a global employment services corporation on employment, vocational training and employment services,î said David Arkless, senior vice president of corporate affairs for Manpower Inc. ìThis is the first time a governmental institution in China has partnered with an outside entity on a project of this magnitude.î

Manpower Inc. is partnering with labor authorities to develop human resources strategies and infrastructure to support Chinaís rapidly evolving labor requirements. The first international partnership office opened in Shanghai on 1 May, and has implemented various initiatives to assist governmental agencies, State Owned Enterprises and foreign companies present in Shanghai in transforming the effectiveness and efficiency of employment systems and services. ìWe are pleased to apply Manpowerís 57 years of labor market expertise to work with the Chinese labor authorities as they position their workforce to support current and future economic growth,î said Manpower Inc. Chairman and CEO Jeffrey A. Joerres. ìManpower has a strong track record of working with governmental organizations to develop and enhance national labor markets. At the same time, expanding our service offering in China and throughout Asia is a key part of our global growth strategy.î Manpower currently operates more than 4,300 offices in 68 countries.

Initial development projects include the quantification of future vocational skills and training required in Shanghai, the installation of Internet-based assessment systems in local employment offices, the design and provision of training and development programs, and cooperation on the development of senior governmental officials through global exchange and delegation programs. Manpower has engaged its subsidiaries, Right Management Consultants and Career-Harmony, in the design and implementation of these projects. In addition, Caden Corporation, Manpowerís global governmental advisory partner, has been involved throughout the development of this key initiative.
Iain Herbertson, managing director of Manpowerís Asia Pacific region, believes that Manpowerís strategy of organic expansion in China will be significantly enhanced by the launch of this series of governmental partnerships.

ìOur expanding network of operations will both support and benefit from our close relationships with the authorities,î said Herbertson. Further partnership office openings are scheduled in other large cities in China throughout the year. These openings will run in parallel with the further expansion of Manpowerís already significant local operations. Manpower first entered the Chinese market in 1964, opening an office in Hong Kong. Today, the Manpower/Right network in China includes 38 offices, including Mainland China (17), Hong Kong (6) and Taiwan (15). Manpower China is headquartered in Shanghai.