Scott No: -
Serial number: 2013-28
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: October 22, 2013
Denomination: 240 fen
Designer: Shen Jiahong
Size of stamps: 27 * 38 mm
Perforation: 13.5
Sheet composition: 16 (8 sets)
Sheet size: 140 * 184 mm
Printing process: Offset
Printing House: Liaoning Provincal Shenyang Postage Stamp Printing Works

On October 22, 2013, China Post officially issued the commemorative stamp set for the "21st Congress of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI)" with catalog number 2013-28. The set consists of two stamps. The issue date coincided with the grand opening of the 21st INTOSAI Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, and also marked the historic moment when a Chinese representative assumed the presidency of INTOSAI for the first time. This imbues the stamp set with exceptional commemorative significance.

The set comprises two stamps: the first, "Emblem of the 21st INTOSAI Congress," with a face value of 1.20 yuan; and the second, "Emblem of INTOSAI," also with a face value of 1.20 yuan.

The upper left corner of the stamp features the text "21st Congress of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions," while the lower border incorporates the Great Wall of China, reflecting both the international nature of the organization and the host country's cultural identity within a small space.

The two stamps, issued as a continuous se-tenant pair, feature clearly defined thematic emblems and balanced compositions. They highlight both the global perspective of the INTOSAI Congress and the Chinese characteristics of the host city, Beijing, while simultaneously emphasizing the dual themes of the congress session and the 60th anniversary of the organization's founding.

First stamp, "Emblem of the 21st INTOSAI Congress": The emblem is composed of three core elements: the Great Wall of China, the Earth, and two supporting hands. A blue ribbon encircling the Earth symbolizes stability, sustainable development, and infinite possibilities, heralding a prosperous future for global public finance. This design elegantly echoes the main theme of the congress: "The Role of Supreme Audit Institutions in Maintaining the Long-Term Sustainability of Fiscal Policies." The supporting hands convey multiple meanings: on one hand, they represent cooperation between Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) and citizens and other stakeholders to jointly promote audit development; on the other, they symbolize the unity of SAIs from around the world in facing challenges and shaping the future under the guidance of INTOSAI's strategic plan. Furthermore, the gesture of supporting the Earth also signifies that SAIs contribute to environmental protection and building a green planet through their audit work. This design fully embodies the spirit of China's willingness to work hand in hand with audit institutions from other countries, emphasizing communication, friendship, exchange, and development.

Second stamp, "Emblem of INTOSAI": The design features the Earth as its core, symbolizing the global development vision of INTOSAI. The Earth pattern echoes the globe in the first stamp, creating visual unity and continuity. The overall stamp design is clean and balanced; the continuous format effectively links the two stamps, enhancing the cohesiveness of the set and its collectible integrity.

The issuance of this stamp set is deeply rooted in China's long history of audit and its contemporary responsibilities. State audit in China has a long history, with roots stretching back thousands of years. Early forms of audit, such as the "Zai Fu" (an early audit officer) and the "Shang Ji" system for evaluating economic performance, emerged. Modern China's Supreme Audit Institution, established over 30 years ago, has been actively integrating into the international audit community. Hosting this congress and assuming its presidency mark a historic shift for China's audit profession from participant to leader.