On 12 November, 2018, Prof. Rik Van de Walle, Rector of Ghent University, together with a delegation from Ghent University including Prof. Luc Taerwe, Director of China Platform, Ms. Isabelle de Coen, Coordinator of Academic Diplomacy and Ms. Inge Mangelschots, Coordinator of China Platform, paid a visit to College of Civil Engineering (CCE), Tongji University to strengthen collaboration between two parties. On behalf of CCE, Prof. Huanjun Jiang, Vice Dean of CCE, Prof. Yong Yuan, Prof. Bin Zhao, Prof. Suwen Chen, Assoc. Prof. Tianbo Peng, Prof. Xian Liu, Assoc. Prof. Cheng Fang, and Ms. Xiaodong Zhu attended the meeting.

Prof. Huanjun Jiang warmly welcomed the delegation from Ghent University and introduced the overview of CCE, especially the international exchange and cooperation programs. Prof. Rik Van de Walle highlighted the importance of building international communication platforms, and introduced the joint program between Ghent University and several Asian institutes. Two parties reviewed the long tradition and rich achievements of student exchange and research collaboration in the past years, exchanged opinions on the joint programs of higher education, and wished that two universities could stimulate further cooperation and create better opportunities for faculties and students in the future.