On April 18, 2026, China-Netherlands Steel Structure Technology Exchange Conference was successfully held in Shanghai. The event was jointly organized by China Steel Construction Society (CSCS), Bouwen met Staal, and SNS, co-hosted by Shanghai Construction Group Co., Ltd and Shanghai Mechanized Construction Group Co.,Ltd, and supported by the Shanghai Metal Construction Association. Over 70 experts, scholars, and industry representatives attended.

Li Guoqiang, Academician of CAE, Professor at Tongji University, noted that China and the Netherlands have complementary strengths in steel structures. He hoped both sides would deepen cooperation to promote green and low-carbon development in the global steel structure industry.

（Li Guoqiang, Academician of CAE, Professor at Tongji University）

Chen Xiaoming, Chief Engineer of Shanghai Construction Group, stated that his company has long focused on innovation and engineering practice in steel structures. He looked forward to joint efforts with Dutch partners to advance technology and support high-quality development.

（Chen Xiaoming, chief Engineer of Shanghai Construction Group）

Frank Maatje, Managing Director of Bouwen met Staal, emphasized the importance of steel structures in energy saving and emission reduction. He introduced the Netherlands' green transition efforts and called for stronger exchanges with Chinese peers to explore low-carbon pathways.

(Frank Maatje, Managing Director of Bouwen met Staal)

During the technical session, five experts delivered presentations on industry status, innovation, and engineering practices.

Frank Maatje presented on the “Dutch steel structure industry and CO₂ reduction initiatives”. He expounded on circular construction, low-emission steel, and the second generation of Eurocodes, aiming to drive the industry toward low-carbon transformation.

(Frank Maatje, Managing Director of Bouwen met Staal)

Pieter van Lierop, Deputy General Manager of IV-infra, spoke on the “application of high-strength steel in new railway bridges and sustainable design”. Using case studies, he showed how high-strength steel reduces material use and carbon emissions while meeting heavy-load, long-span requirements.

（Pieter van Lierop, Deputy General Manager of IV-infra）

Li Qingwei, Secretary-General of CSCS, reported on the “Current State of China's Steel Structure Industry”, covering industrial scale, technology, policy, and future trends.

(Li Qingwei, Secretary-General of CSCS)

Bao Lianjin, Chief Structural Engineer of East China Architectural Design & Research Institute, reviewed the “Application of High-Strength Steel in High-Rise Buildings” and shared key results in design, fabrication, and construction.

（Bao Lianjin, Chief Structural Engineer of East China Architectural Design & Research Institute）

Wu Xiaofeng, Deputy Chief Engineer of Shanghai Mechanized Construction Group, introduced the Shanghai North Bund 480 Project, highlighting its innovations in steel structure design and construction, demonstrating the company’s strength in super-high-rise steel structures.

（Wu Xiaofeng, Deputy Chief Engineer of Shanghai Mechanized Construction Group）

After the presentations, representatives visited the Shanghai North Bund 480 Project site. The project's advanced steel structure design and construction techniques left a strong impression. Participants discussed technical challenges and innovative highlights on site.

The conference successfully built an efficient bridge for exchange between China and the Netherlands. Both sides will continue to deepen cooperation in technological innovation, standards alignment, and joint projects, promoting the green, low-carbon, and sustainable development of the steel structure industry.