03/09/2026
IKT and CTHR have officially opened their joint office in Beijing – just as China enters a new era of large-scale investment in the infrastructure beneath its cities.
The mission: to train the professionals this transformation requires and strengthen quality assurance in sewer rehabilitation and trenchless technologies.
The opening conference brought together around 60 guests at the Beijing headquarters of Chengtong Human Resources Company Ltd. (CTHR).
CTHR is a subsidiary of China Chengtong Holdings Group Ltd., a centrally administered state-owned enterprise.
The long-term partnership combines IKT – Institute for Underground Infrastructure’s expertise in underground infrastructure with CTHR’s strength in human resources and professional development. Together, we will:
• deliver training and continuing professional development for Chinese wastewater professionals;
• develop specialised underground infrastructure programmes for universities and vocational colleges;
• connect Chinese researchers with international research projects;
• support the application of international standards and best practices in sewer rehabilitation and operations;
• establish quality assurance systems for trenchless technologies; and
• strengthen the exchange of knowledge and experience between China and Germany.
This cooperation comes at a crucial time. Under China’s recently adopted 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), around RMB 5 trillion (approximately USD 740 billion) is expected to be invested in building and upgrading some 770,000 km of urban underground utility networks.
Infrastructure on this scale requires more than investment: it requires highly qualified professionals. This is precisely where IKT and CTHR will work together.
The cooperation will be supported by IKT–CTHR offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Jinan and Lanzhou, providing broad regional reach across China.
CTHR CEO Cheng Gong welcomed the guests. Representing IKT were Managing Director Roland W. Waniek, Scientific Director Prof. Dr habil. Bert Bosseler and Yongxiang Qiao, Head of Sino-German Cooperation. They presented the planned activities and discussed their practical implementation with the participants.
To mark the opening, the IKT delegation presented its new partners with a trophy in the shape of a manhole cover – a symbol of the link between life above ground and the infrastructure below.
We look forward to turning this partnership into practical education, research and quality assurance.
Learn more about IKT’s research, training and international cooperation:
www.ikt.institute
