FIDIC has been strengthening its connections and influence with the Chinese construction sector this week as chief executive Dr Nelson Ogunshakin has been visiting Beijing for a series of meetings with consultancy and contracting organisations and other industry bodies.

The visit by FIDIC’s CEO follows a number of strategic collaboration agreements signed by FIDIC last year with several Chinese engineering and contracting associations to ensure that FIDIC contracts are adopted on the Belt and Road initiatives across the world.

During the course of a week-long visit, facilitated by FIDIC’s member association in China, the CNAEC, Ogunshakin met officials from the China International Contractors Association, China Engineering and Consulting Association, China Association of Plant Engineering Consultants and the China Association of International Engineering Consultants (CAIEC).

These discussions were a follow up to the strategic agreements signed with FIDIC last year and in the case of the meeting with CAIEC, to finalise and sign a new collaboration agreement. During his visit to the Chinese capital, Ogunshakin also had discussions with Zhao Yangpan, secretary general of FIDIC’s member association in China, about a range of industry issues and also the progress being made on a number of FIDIC initiatives in the country.

Ogunshakin also took the opportunity while in Beijing to meet leading officials from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Last year the bank signed a five-year agreement to use FIDIC standard contracts and this week FIDIC’s CEO held a follow up meeting with AIIB leaders Sir Danny Alexander (vice president), Zhen Quan (director general) and Hamid Sharif (managing director).

During his visit, Ogunshakin was also due to sign a major ten-year agreement with a Chinese business publisher to secure the translation and publication of FIDIC contracts. Watch this space for more news on this landmark agreement which will significantly enhance FIDIC’s influence in the Chinese construction market.

For more information on the FIDIC CEO’s visit to Beijing, check out FIDIC’s social media accounts for updates and photos.