ACUUS
To foster international academic and industrial exchange in the field of underground space, guided by the framework of the ACUUS 2025 International Underground Space Conference, the Chinese delegation arrived in Serbia ahead of the main event to conduct a series of intensive and fruitful technical visits and exchange activities.
On November 3–4, the delegation focused on inspecting major infrastructure projects undertaken by Chinese enterprises in Serbia and engaged in in-depth technical discussions with international engineering consulting institutions, effectively building momentum for the upcoming ACUUS 2025 International Underground Space Conference.
Focusing on Key Projects to Jointly Shape the Blueprint for Belgrade Metro
The delegation visited the Belgrade Metro Line 1 design team base of Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina) in Belgrade.
Both parties engaged in candid and in-depth discussions on the planning, design, technical challenges, and localization adaptation of Belgrade Metro Line 1. The exchanges were thorough and the atmosphere was dynamic, infusing the project with fresh ideas and perspectives through mutual learning and sharing.
Together We Discuss Future Collaboration, Sharing Insights on the Balkan Infrastructure Market
The delegation visited the Serbian branch of Eptisa, a leading Spanish engineering consulting firm. Eptisa stands out as a top player in the global engineering consulting sector, ranking among the ENR Top 100 International Design Firms. Since 2016, it has been a majority-owned subsidiary of the publicly listed company Suzhou Jiaotong Engineering Group (JSTI Group). The company boasts profound technical expertise in fields such as transportation, water resources, and environmental engineering.
The delegation gained insights into Eptisa’s business layout, core strengths, and key projects in the Balkan region. A specialized technical exchange was conducted on the design and research of the mutually concerned railway section project—DOBOJ-RASPUTNICA MILJACKA (BIH)—with discussions exploring the feasibility of collaboration on this project and other potential areas.
This exchange has laid a solid foundation for future complementary advantages and mutually beneficial cooperation between Chinese and Western engineering technology and consulting services.
Witnessing the Breakthrough of Serbia’s Longest Tunnel
On November 4, the delegation conducted an in-depth inspection of the construction site of the Iriski Venac Tunnel project, undertaken by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). Located on the route between Novi Sad and Ilijaš in Serbia, the tunnel traverses the Fruska Gora Natural Reserve and is designed as a dual four-lane highway tunnel. As the longest tunnel currently under construction in Serbia, its progress and technical challenges have drawn significant attention.
At the construction site, the delegation conducted a detailed inspection of the tunnel excavation process, safety management measures, and technological innovations in engineering. They also exchanged views on topics related to the sustainable development of underground engineering.
The delegation visited the project management department of the second section of the Novi Sad-Ruma Expressway in Serbia, undertaken by China Communications Second Highway Engineering Bureau. Both parties held discussions and exchanges on the construction management, technological innovation, and localization practices of this key transportation infrastructure project. The delegation engaged in professional discussions on specific technical issues, including tunnel construction under complex geological conditions and engineering standardization.
Heading to ACUUS 2025
embarking on a journey of underground space cooperation
ACUUS 2025 is set to officially commence on November 5. During the conference, the Chinese delegation will comprehensively share China’s research progress, technological achievements, and planning prospects in the field of underground space development and utilization through various formats, while actively soliciting feedback and suggestions from international peers.
Particularly noteworthy is that China will serve as the host for the next ACUUS. During this event, China will proactively advance preparatory work. The delegation will take this valuable opportunity to provide a comprehensive overview of the conference’s preparation progress and preliminary vision, extending a warm invitation to experts, scholars, and industry leaders in the global underground space community.
ACUUS, as a vital platform connecting experts and key projects in the global underground space sector, will continue to promote knowledge sharing and international collaboration. It aims to contribute wisdom and strength toward building more sustainable urban underground spaces.
We sincerely look forward to gathering with colleagues from all fields in China in 2027 to jointly celebrate this grand event and explore the future pathways of underground space development. We warmly invite global peers to pay close attention and actively participate.
