2 June | China – The International Road Federation (IRF) reinforced its commitment to international collaboration and knowledge exchange through a series of high-level meetings with leading transport institutions and industry partners in China.

During the visit, IRF Director General Gonzalo Alcaraz and Head of Advocacy and Outreach Alice Yiu engaged with organisations that are shaping the future of transport planning, highway management and infrastructure maintenance across the country. The discussions highlighted the value of international cooperation in addressing shared transport challenges and advancing sustainable, efficient and resilient road networks.

A key stop on the visit was the Transport Planning and Research Institute (TPRI) of China’s Ministry of Transport, one of our IRF members and part of the country’s foremost transport research institutions. TPRI has played a significant role in supporting the development of national transport policy, strategic planning and integrated transport systems, contributing to the modernisation and sustainable growth of China’s transport network.

The meeting provided valuable insights into how evidence-based research and knowledge-driven decision-making support transport policy and investment planning. Discussions also explored opportunities to share China’s experience and expertise with the wider IRF community, strengthening international learning and collaboration.

The IRF delegation also met with leaders of the Highway Bureau of China’s Ministry of Transport, another IRF member. The Bureau oversees the planning, management and development of one of the world’s largest highway networks, connecting communities, industries and markets across the country.

IRF extends its appreciation to Director General Zhou and Director Zhang for the productive exchange of views. Discussions focused on priorities including transport efficiency, road safety, logistics and trade connectivity, and enhancing resilience to climate-related challenges. These priorities reflect the critical role that road infrastructure plays in supporting economic growth, mobility and sustainable development.

IRF had the opportunity to visit the Research Institute of Highway (RIOH) under the Ministry of Transport, one of the country’s leading research institutions supporting the development of highway policy, engineering standards and innovation. The visit provided valuable insights into China’s latest priorities and advancements in road infrastructure planning, construction, maintenance and digitalisation.

The visit also included discussions with RoadMainT Co Ltd., a leading company in highway maintenance technology and asset management and a another member of the IRF. As road agencies face increasing pressure to maximise the performance and lifespan of infrastructure assets, innovation in maintenance and asset management is becoming increasingly important.

RoadMainT shared insights into its work supporting transport agencies through advanced road condition assessment, maintenance planning, digital tools and engineering expertise. The discussions highlighted how data-driven technologies are enabling more proactive maintenance strategies, helping road authorities optimise resources, improve network performance and strengthen infrastructure resilience.

The final stop was a meeting with Tianjin Expressway Corporation, a state-owned enterprise in China. Operating out of Tianjin, its primary business include highway investment, financing, construction, maintenance and management.

Reflecting on the visit, DG Alcaraz noted the importance of collaboration between public institutions, research organisations and industry leaders in addressing the evolving demands placed on transport systems worldwide.

Across all meetings, a common theme emerged: the importance of sharing knowledge, innovation and practical experience to build safer, more efficient and more sustainable transport networks.

The IRF looks forward to continuing its cooperation with its Chinese members and partners and to helping bring their expertise, innovations and best practices to the wider global road and transport community.