From June 10 to 12, 2025, the Second Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange was held in Chengdu, Sichuan. The event was cohosted by China’s Ministry of Science and Technology, other relevant ministries, and the People’s Governments of Sichuan Province and Chongqing Municipality. Approximately 1,500 scientists, business leaders, government officials, and representatives from international organizations attended the opening ceremony. Ding Xuexiang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, attended the ceremony and delivered a keynote speech. At the conference, Professor Xu Kaihua, Chairman of GEM, was invited to the opening ceremony and the Forum on Engineering Capacity Building for the Belt and Road. There he joined 33 leading engineering institutions from 17 countries and regions to jointly release the “Consensus on Engineering Capacity Building for the Belt and Road”. This initiative aims to reform engineering education, enhance engineering capacity, provide open access to engineer training resources, accelerate mutual recognition of engineering rules and standards (“soft connectivity”), and ensure the steady and sustainable advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Ding Xuexiang attends the opening ceremony of the Second Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange and delivers a keynote speech (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China)

Professor Xu Kaihua, Chairman of GEM, participates in the release of the Consensus on Engineering Capacity Building for the Belt and Road

On the afternoon of June 11, 2025, the Forum on Engineering Capacity Building for the Belt and Road officially opened. Attendees included Wan Gang, President of the China Association for Science and Technology; Lin Xin, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China; and Yu Lijun, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee, all of whom delivered opening speeches. The forum was chaired by Professor Chai Liyuan, President of Tianjin University, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and the proposed Chairman of the Belt and Road International Federation of Engineering Organizations (preparatory).

Witnessed by President Wan Gang, Professor Xu Kaihua, Chairman of GEM, signed the “Consensus on Engineering Capacity Building for the Belt and Road” together with 33 leading engineering institutions from 17 countries and regions, including the Institution of Engineers Indonesia and the Society of Engineers UAE. Covering Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe, the Consensus establishes a broad cross-regional and cross-sector collaboration network. It also aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to dual-drive the sustainable economic and social development of Belt and Road partner countries through engineering capacity building and technological innovation.

The Consensus also commits to enhancing the quality of engineering talent training in Belt and Road countries, promoting the establishment of joint accreditation standards and core competence frameworks for engineering education, and developing a curriculum-based system for continuous professional development of engineers — thus providing a solid foundation of talent for the Belt and Road Initiative.

Professor Xu Kaihua speaks at the closed-door evening session of the Forum on Engineering Capacity Building for the Belt and Road

During the closed-door evening session of the Belt and Road Engineering Capacity Building forum, Professor Xu Kaihua delivered a keynote speech. He expressed his respect for all attendees and emphasized that the success of the Belt and Road Initiative hinges on strong mutual trust. First, one must have confidence in China. Since President Xi Jinping proposed the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, China has advanced joint development and prosperity through a series of technological innovations that benefit all BRI partners. Second, one must trust in China’s universities and scientists for their capacity in science, technology, and engineering education — they are committed to providing solid technical support for Belt and Road countries. Lastly, one must have faith in Chinese enterprises, which are not only technologically advanced but also mission-driven and responsible. Chinese companies are expanding globally through a flexible model that combines technology and culture, bringing real benefits to partner countries.

In response to questions raised by members of the Belt and Road International Federation of Engineering Organizations — such as “How can we train Belt and Road engineers?” and “How can we teach fishing rather than give fish?” — Professor Xu cited the example of GEM’s investment in the China–Indonesia Joint Research Laboratory for New Energy Materials and Metallurgy Engineering Technology, jointly established by GEM, Bandung Institute of Technology, and Central South University. This Joint Research Laboratory exemplifies a “Technology + Culture” model to cultivate outstanding engineers and drive technological innovation, fulfilling the vision of building engineering talent and advancing technology in Belt and Road countries.

Professor Xu explained that, like many Belt and Road countries, Indonesia is rich in mineral resources but lacks metallurgical and mining engineers and cutting-edge technology. As a global leader in circular economy and new energy materials, GEM has proposed an investment strategy in Indonesia centered on the integration of industry, science, and culture — growing together with the country, leaving behind both technology and culture. In 2024, GEM invested USD 30 million and collaborated with Bandung Institute of Technology and Central South University to build a world-class joint research laboratory in Indonesia. The Joint Research Laboratory consists of 12 research labs and 2 engineering pilot centers, equipped with over 300 advanced research devices, supporting critical research in mineral utilization, new energy materials, resource recycling, environmental management, and sustainable development.

The China–Indonesia Joint Research Laboratory was established with two key objectives: one is talent cultivation—training outstanding engineers to support Indonesia in localizing its engineering and technical workforce. Since 2019, GEM and Central South University have jointly run a master's program in Indonesia. The program adopts an elite engineer training model, with one year of theoretical study at university and two years of practical training at GEM’s National Research Center, producing engineers ready for real-world challenges. So far, four cohorts have been launched, training a total of 183 engineering master’s and doctoral students in fields such as metallurgy, rail transit, and international trade. Enrollment grew from 22 students in the first cohort to 101 in the fourth. GEM has also initiated a “Hundred–Thousand–Ten Thousand” talent plan to train 100 engineering PhDs, 1,000 master’s students, and 10,000 skilled workers for Indonesia, which has received strong recognition from the Indonesian government.

The other is technology development—helping Indonesia achieve the localization of engineering technologies. After just eight months of operation, more than 30 engineering graduate students, PhDs, and postdoctoral researchers have worked in the Joint Research Laboratory, conducting over 30 research projects and applying for more than 150 core patents related to laterite nickel ore and downstream new energy industrial chains — laying a solid foundation for Indonesia’s metallurgical engineering development.

The China–Indonesia Joint Research Laboratory has applied for over 150 international patents

Professor Xu Kaihua poses in front of the China–Indonesia Joint Laboratory with senior members of the UN Global Compact and representatives of Bandung Institute of Technology

International joint master's students pose during their studies, lab work, and internships

Professor Xu informed the audience that on May 25, 2025, the China–Indonesia Joint Research Laboratory was presented globally as a model of technological innovation and sustainable development at the First Global High-Quality Belt and Road Development Summit, hosted by the UN Global Compact’s Belt and Road Action Platform. He invited all participants to visit the Joint Research Laboratory in Bandung, noting that it will serve as a vital base for high-tech research and talent cultivation along the Belt and Road — better supporting the high-quality development of partner countries. His speech was met with widespread recognition and warm applause from the attendees.