On November 22, the 4th International New Materials Industry Conference was held in Bengbu, Anhui Province, co-hosted by the People's Government of Anhui Province, the International Commission on Glass, China National Building Material Group (CNBM), and China Baowu Steel Group. The theme of this year’s conference was “New Technology, New Materials, New Future.” Li Zhong, Vice Governor of Anhui Province, delivered the opening speech and declared the conference open. Zhou Yuxian, Chairman of CNBM, and Alicia Duran, the 26th Chair of the International Commission on Glass and Chair of the United Nations International Year of Glass Committee attended the conference and gave speeches. Seventeen academicians, as well as leaders and distinguished guests from provincial and municipal governments, universities, and enterprises, were present at the conference. During the opening ceremony, Academicians Wu Guanghui and Wang Yuchong from the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and Guo Hui, General Manager of CNBM New Materials Fund, delivered keynote speeches. The Anhui Provincial Development and Reform Commission presented a promotional speech. The group also released key technological innovations, and the China Center for Information Industry Development (CCID) unveiled the National New Materials Industry Innovation Index.

In his speech, Zhou emphasized that new materials are the cornerstone and forerunner of future high-tech industrial development and a key focus of competition among major global powers. As a hub of industrial innovation, Anhui Province has been vigorously developing an advanced new materials industry system, including foundational materials, strategic key materials, and cutting-edge materials. The ambitious vision of "advancing toward a trillion-yuan industry scale" is steadily becoming a reality. As a manufacturer and investor in non-metallic materials, CNBM has, in recent years, cultivated world-class new material industry clusters, including high-end glass materials, high-performance carbon and glass fibers, and ultra-large wind turbine blades. Additionally, CNBM has deeply rooted itself in Anhui, investing over 50 billion yuan across its 16 prefecture-level cities, establishing a 20 billion yuan new materials industry fund, and actively integrating into Anhui’s new materials development framework.

On the evening of November 21, Zhou Yuxian chaired a special seminar on the 8.5-generation TFT-LCD ultra-thin float glass substrate project. During the meeting, the project team provided updates on production breakthroughs, certification, sales efforts, and development plans. Zhou outlined four key requirements for the next steps: Firstly, enhance product quality. Strengthen core performance metrics while improving optimization indicators to enhance product quality and yield rates continuously. Focus on the development of core equipment and tackle challenges in precision processing technology to improve production line efficiency comprehensively. Secondly, expand market reach comprehensively. Broaden business collaborations and create a full industrial chain ecosystem that integrates technology R&D, product certification, and the end market. Establish a seamless pathway from strong products to a robust industry. Thirdly, plan development pathways. Carefully analyze market conditions and refine future development plans. Align financial resources appropriately at different stages of development, ensuring both immediate and long-term economic feasibility. Fourthly, strengthen talent development. Attract and assemble a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals, especially in marketing, to safeguard and drive the enterprise's high-quality development.