The Third China International Refractory Production and Application Conference will be held in Shanghai from March 29 to 31.

The conference will focus on new developments in the world's refractory industry, as well as challenges from shrinking market demand and a slowdown in growth.

The conference, founded in 2011, aims to connect refractory manufacturers with their customers and suppliers, to promote refractory production and to strengthen international cooperation.

China is the world's largest refractory materials producer, consumer and exporter, with its refractory consumption accounting for more than 65 percent of the world total.