Some of the biggest names in Chinese steel were on the agenda when Xuewen Xiao, the chairman of CISDI Group, headed to a succession of high-level meetings.

First stop was Baowu Zhanjiang, where CISDI is playing a key role as designer and supplier for the construction of the plant’s blast furnace 3.

Zhanjiang is being transformed into one of the world’s most competitive and intelligent steel plants and the current blast furnace project is running to schedule. Both parties have joined forces to push for a smooth start up.

Zhanjiang’s chairman Daide Liu spoke of high hopes for further CISDI involvement in the steel plant’s transformation. “CISDI has given its full support to Baowu Group and Zhanjiang Steel. We hope more of its new tech and equipment will go into the plant,” he commented.

Mr Xiao said: “CISDI and Zhanjiang Steel are strategic partners. I am proud that we have forged a strong relationship which goes beyond that of service provider and customer, and we are keen to support developments at Zhanjiang.”

There was a fruitful exchange of ideas for future joint projects at a meeting with Baosteel Shanghai’s vice president, Genghong Sheng, and Mr Xiao also paid a visit to Maanshan Steel.

At a meeting with Yi Ding, president of Magang Group, and Qiangming Wang, the president of Masteel, CISDI’s masterplan for Masteel that has now been merged into Baowu Group won praise.

Setting out the strategy, orientation and layout of Masteel, the masterplan will assist Baowu to reach a projected annual output of 100 million tonnes.

“Your plan is far-sighted, clearly defined and gives us an insightful route. We will be specifying the steps for its implementation,” commented Mr Ding.

Both parties will be working together to build Masteel as a Baowu Group green base.