On March 13, the launch meeting for the research project "Support for Mercury-Free Replacement and Industrial Transformation of Carbide-based PVC", organized by CCAIA, was held online. The project is commissioned by the Department of Energy Conservation and Comprehensive Utilization of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The meeting was attended by relevant officials from the Department of Energy Conservation of MIIT, as well as leaders and representatives from Xinjiang Zhongtai, Xinjiang Tianye, Shaanxi Beiyuan, Chlor-Alkali Business Unit of Sinochem Holdings, Xinfa Group, Ordos Chlor-Alkali and Shaanxi Jintai Chemical. Zhang Xin, Vice President of CCAIA, presided over the meeting and introduced the background, significance and key tasks of the project. Participating companies had in-depth exchanges and discussions on the progress of mercury-free transformation and their comments and suggestions for the project. Zhang Wenlei, President of CCAIA, delivered a speech focusing on three aspects: accurately understanding the situation and tasks faced by the industry in fulfilling the Minamata Convention on Mercury, effectively carrying out mercury pollution prevention and control for carbide-based PVC as a requirement for the high-quality development of the chlor-alkali industry, and conducting high-quality project research. He also put forward specific requirements for the implementation of the project. Relevant officials from the Department of Energy Conservation of MIIT delivered a concluding speech, pointing out that in the course of the project research, extensive and detailed investigations will be carried out around the production, application and recycling of mercury-free catalysts. The association will complete the report compilation and the formulation and revision of relevant group standards and industrial standards, so as to accurately grasp the progress of mercury-free transformation of acetylene-based PVC and provide support for the formation of scientific and reasonable negotiating positions for the 7th Meeting of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury in 2027.