On 12 October local time, whilst attending events organised by the World Steel Association in New Delhi, India, Yang Xianghong, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Vice Chairman and General Manager of Hunan Iron and Steel Group, met with Henrik Adam, the new Director General of the World Steel Association, and Dr Edwin Basson, the former Director General. The two sides held in-depth discussions on topics including the development trends and common challenges facing the global steel industry, as well as exchanges and cooperation between the Association and its member organisations, and reached a consensus on deepening practical cooperation.

Yang Xianghong congratulated Henrik Adam on his appointment as Director General of the World Steel Association. He noted that Mr Adam possesses a profound understanding of the dynamics of the global steel industry. As this appointment comes at a time of profound restructuring within the sector, he expressed confidence that, under Mr Adam’s leadership, the World Steel Association would further enhance the efficiency of its communications, establish a practical and effective platform for cooperation amongst its member organisations, and assist steel enterprises across nations in finding common ground during the green transition. He explained that since its establishment in 1997, Hunan Iron and Steel Group has remained steadfast in its original aspiration to serve the nation through the steel industry. The Group has continuously increased investment in technological modernisation, advanced the upgrading of its product structure, and promoted the transition to smart and green manufacturing. Its products are exported to over 100 countries and regions, and the Group has established strong competitiveness in sectors such as steel for high-end equipment and new energy applications.

Henrik Adam noted that this was the first time in the World Steel Association’s nearly 20-year history that two successive Directors-General had participated in a dialogue with a single steel enterprise. He was impressed by the achievements of Hunan Iron and Steel Group in international operations, technological research and development, and the transition to a green, low-carbon economy, and pointed out that the World Steel Association is willing to continue to serve as a platform, looking forward to both sides strengthening the sharing of technical expertise. Edwin Basson pointed out that the steel industry currently faces multiple challenges, including structural adjustment, fluctuations in raw material supplies, and decarbonisation and emissions reduction; no single country can tackle these challenges alone, and all parties need to strengthen communication and work together. He expressed his hope to deepen technical exchanges with Chinese counterparts, including Hunan Iron and Steel Group, to jointly promote the high-quality development of the global steel industry.

The two sides agreed that, as a next step, they would maintain close communication to promote deeper cooperation between Hunan Iron and Steel Group and global steel enterprises in areas such as technical exchange, green and low-carbon development, and talent exchange programmes. Yang Xianghong invited Henrik Adam to visit Hunan Iron and Steel Group at a suitable time to observe the development of Chinese steel enterprises first-hand. During the meeting, the two sides also exchanged views on strengthening day-to-day communication between the association and its member organisations, and on ensuring smooth channels for information sharing. Zhong Shaoliang, Deputy Director-General of the World Steel Association and Chief Representative of its Beijing Office, Adam Shevtsuk, Director of Membership Affairs and Data, and Han Yongfeng, Head of the Strategic Development Department at Hunan Iron and Steel Group, attended the meeting.