The world's largest chemical-engineering gathering opened in Beijing on Jul 14, bringing together scientists, executives and policymakers from 66 countries to chart a greener, smarter future for an industry that underpins everything from plastics to batteries.

The 12th World Congress of Chemical Engineering and the 21st Asian Pacific Confederation of Chemical Engineering Congress (WCCE 12 & APCChE 2025) is the first time the two events have been co-hosted in China. The five-day program at the China National Convention Center will run alongside the International Chemical Engineering Innovation Expo 2025, a trade show that has already lured more than 130 global companies across 11,000 square meters of floor space.

Wan Gang, President of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), told the opening ceremony that chemistry is the bedrock of modern industry and urged delegates to harness open innovation and cross-border collaboration to trigger disruptive breakthroughs and sustainable growth.

The congress is expected to attract 5,000 corporate delegates and 20,000 trade visitors, organizers said. Panels will cover 4 themes: reinventing basic industries, emerging strategic sectors, future smart technologies and education. Side events include a United Nations SDG Youth Day, technical tours and the release of the Beijing Initiative: Embracing Paradigm Shifts, Creating a Greener Future through Intelligent Manufacturing, a policy paper calling for paradigm shifts toward low-carbon, intelligent manufacturing.

Chen Jianfeng, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) and the event’s Executive Chair, presided over the opening ceremony.

Luo Hui, Director General of Department of International Affairs, Executive Secretary of CAST, joined heads of international organizations, domestic and foreign experts, and business leaders at the event.