International Hydropower Association (IHA) Chief Executive Richard M. Taylor visited IWHR on August 30, 2016 and talked on IHA's recent work progress and the preparation for 2017 IHA World Congress. IWHR President Kuang Shangfu met with the IHA representatives.

President Kuang gave his warm welcome to Mr. Taylor for his visit to IWHR the second time of the year. He briefed upon the profound friendship and effective cooperation mechanism between the two parties since the establishment of the MOU in 2009, and expressed his congratulations to the progress and achievements IHA had made in world hydropower field. Regarding the 2017 IHA World Congress to be held in Ethiopia, President Kuang commented that, as the first time that the congress would be held in an African country, it would play an immeasurable role in enhancing energy development and social progress in African countries. IWHR and IHA China Office will give their best to provide support to the congress to contribute due efforts to African hydropower development. President Kuang also game some detailed suggestions on the preparation of the Congress.

Mr. Taylor thanked IWHR for the sincere cooperation and strong support from IHA China Office. He made an introduction to IHA's work progress in global hydropower development research, hydropower sustainability assessment promotion, media publicity, etc., and forecast the future target in working with governments, financial sectors, and industrial scientific research sectors. Mr. Taylor then highlighted the preparation progress for the 2017 World Congress including the agenda, sponsors, themes and topics and other aspects related to the congress. He expected continuous support from IWHR and welcomed IWHR representatives to participate in the congress.