The Second Uzbekistan–China Education Forum Officially Opened in Tashkent

Today, the Second Uzbekistan–China Education Forum officially commenced its work in Tashkent.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Qo‘ng‘irotboy Sharipov, the Minister of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Huai Jinpeng, and the Chargé d’Affaires of China in Uzbekistan, Wang Jiwei, who delivered welcoming remarks.

In their opening speeches, the ministers emphasized the consistent and dynamic development of cooperation between the two countries in the fields of higher education, science, innovation, vocational training, and foreign language teaching.

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of Uzbekistan, Qo‘ng‘irotboy Sharipov, stated:
“I believe that today’s forum will elevate Uzbekistan–China cooperation to a new level, and that education and science will become a solid foundation for our countries’ strategic partnership. The outcomes of this event will serve as an important step toward building an educational space based on practical cooperation, mutual trust, and openness to innovation.”

The Minister of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Huai Jinpeng, noted that cooperation between Chinese and Uzbek universities has been developing steadily in recent years.
“Currently, the Tashkent branch of the Northwest A&F University has been operating successfully for a year, with over 50 students enrolled. The Chinese side has also sent more than 30 qualified teachers to Uzbekistan,” he said.

He also underlined the importance of strengthening cooperation in digital education, expressing China’s readiness to share its advanced concepts and resources with Uzbekistan and inviting the Uzbek side to actively participate in international platforms such as the Global Digital Education Alliance and the World MOOCs and Online Resources Alliance, both established under China’s initiative.

As noted during the event, 2,725 students in 23 higher education institutions of Uzbekistan are currently studying the Chinese language in 38 specializations, while more than 7,000 Uzbek students are pursuing education in China. Over the past three years, more than 500 students and teachers have been sent to China on scholarship programs to study the Chinese language and culture.

Additionally, 29 joint educational programs have been launched between the universities of the two countries, clearly demonstrating the tangible results of their cooperation.

During the forum, the ministers witnessed the exchange of signed agreements and memorandums between universities of Uzbekistan and China aimed at implementing joint projects and programs in higher education, science, and innovation.

Following the opening ceremony, the forum continued its work in breakout sessions, discussing issues related to the digitalization of the education system, implementation of research outcomes in practice, professional development of teachers, and the expansion of student exchange programs.