As part of its working visit to China from October 14 to 20, 2026, a delegation from the University of Transport and Communications (UTC) visited Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology (XAUAT) to discuss cooperation in education, scientific research, and academic exchange in the fields of construction, transport architecture, green buildings, and smart cities.

On October 18, 2026, the delegation, led by Prof. Bui Tien Thanh, Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environment, met with XAUAT’s leadership at its Yanta Campus. The delegation was welcomed by Zhao Xiangmo, President of XAUAT, together with representatives of the university’s leadership, academic departments, and international cooperation office.

The UTC delegation meets with the Faculty of Civil Engineering at XAUAT.

Both Universities Share Their Strengths and Cooperation Priorities

During the meeting, XAUAT’s leadership introduced the university’s development history, strengths in education and research, and internationalization strategy. The university also expressed its interest in expanding cooperation with UTC in human resource development, joint research, and academic exchange. Representatives of UTC shared the University’s notable achievements in education and scientific research, Vietnam’s growing demand for transport infrastructure and construction development, and opportunities for collaboration between research groups and academic units at the two universities.

Both universities already have a foundation for cooperation through a memorandum of understanding signed under the International Alliance of Universities on Science and Technology for the Silk Road. The visit provided an opportunity to explore specific collaborative activities in greater depth and work toward establishing regular, substantive cooperation mechanisms.

The President of Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology welcomes and holds discussions with the UTC delegation.

Promoting Joint Education Programs and Academic Exchange

During meetings with XAUAT’s Faculty of Architecture, Faculty of Civil Engineering, and Office of International Cooperation, the UTC delegation discussed several potential initiatives, including: Developing joint degree programs under the 2+2 or 2+3 models; Organizing student, faculty, and doctoral researcher exchanges; Inviting experts from both universities to deliver lectures, supervise research, and participate in academic conferences; Exploring scholarship opportunities and short-term training programs; Coordinating doctoral supervision and organizing academic activities and architecture-related competitions. The proposed arrangements will be further studied and refined in accordance with each institution’s circumstances and regulations.

The UTC delegation visits XAUAT’s National Key Laboratory of Green Building.

Expanding Scientific and Technological Research Cooperation

The delegation also held discussions with XAUAT’s research units, including the National Key Laboratory of Green Building and research groups specializing in structural engineering and earthquake resistance. Key areas of interest included materials research, the design and assessment of green buildings, construction technologies, short-term training, and potential joint research projects addressing Vietnam’s practical needs.

In the fields of urban development and modern transportation, the two universities explored research opportunities in smart city planning and development, intelligent transportation systems, and digital twin technologies for urban management. They also discussed identifying opportunities for joint research topics and projects that address practical challenges in Vietnamese cities.

Prof. Bui Tien Thanh shares UTC’s achievements in education and scientific research, Vietnam’s infrastructure development needs, and opportunities for collaboration between the two universities.

Connecting with Enterprises and Promoting Technology Applications

In addition to academic and research units, the delegation met with enterprises affiliated with XAUAT, including engineering companies and integrated research and design organizations. Discussions focused on opportunities to implement technological solutions to construction projects in Vietnam, and collaborate in consulting, design, and research and development.

Notably, the two sides explored potential cooperation in advanced and green materials, transit-oriented development (TOD), metro station architectural design, and the application of advanced technologies in construction. They also considered establishing cooperation channels between relevant enterprises and affiliated units of UTC to facilitate the implementation of future initiatives.

Professional discussions between the UTC delegation and XAUAT’s School of Urban Planning and Modern Transportation.

Toward Concrete and Long-Term Cooperation Programs

The meetings opened up opportunities to develop cooperation agreements at the faculty and departmental levels, establishing joint research groups, organizing specialized seminars and short-term training courses, and promoting academic exchange. The proposed activities are expected to be translated into specific initiatives, with designated coordination contacts and implementation roadmaps tailored to each field.

The visit marks another step in strengthening the partnership between the University of Transport and Communications and Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, creating new opportunities for interaction among faculty members, researchers, and students from both institutions. It also provides a foundation for continued dialogue and practical cooperation in education, research, transport infrastructure, construction, and sustainable urban development.