The Institute has attached great importance to international cooperation and exchange and to the water-related consultancy services abroad. Cooperation ties of various types have been established with over 80 overseas universities and research institutions. Its experts have assumed the important positions of Vice Chairman of China National Committee of UNESCO-IHP and Vice Chairman of China National Committee of International Association of Hydrological Science. Professionals, especially young research engineers, are encouraged to attend international conferences or to take part in international visiting and exchange programs. Every year, over 70 professionals are sent abroad for technical visit and training, and over 200 foreign experts come to the Institute for visit and lecturing.

The Institute has undertaken a considerable number of international cooperation programs and consultancy projects, including Sino-Canadian Dam Safety Management and Reservoir Risk Analysis Program, Sedimentation Study Program for a Port in Pakistan, Sluice Gate Vibration Observation Program for a Hydropower Station in Myanmar, Bottom Orifice Flow-Induced Vibration Test for Iran, Physical Model Study for Kuang Yang Port in Korea, and Facility Export Project for NAHRIM in Malaysia.