To deepen Belt and Road cooperation in agricultural education and science and technology, from May 3 to 9, Chen Hong, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Northwest A&F University Committee, Secretary of the Disciplinary Inspection Commission, and Supervisory Commissioner of Northwest A&F University, led a delegation to visit Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The delegation investigated the development of Tashkent Campus NWAFU, the operation of the China–Central Asia Joint Laboratory for Dryland Agriculture, and the promotion of overseas agricultural science and technology demonstration parks. They also exchanged views with foreign partners on integrity risk prevention and anti-corruption efforts.
Deepening Scientific and Technological Cooperation, Strengthening People-to-People Ties
Chen Hong was invited to meet with Ibrokhim Yulchiyevich Abdurakhmonov, Minister of Agriculture Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan, for in-depth discussions on cooperation within the Silkroad Agricultural Education and Research Innovation Alliance. At Tashkent State Agrarian University, he held extensive talks with Rector Oblomuradov Narzullo Naimovich on the development of Tashkent Campus NWAFU, curriculum design for Tashkent Chinese Language Education Center, and planning for the China–Uzbekistan High-Quality Fruit Tree Demonstration Park. While donating Chinese-language textbooks to Uzbek students at Tashkent Chinese Language Education Center, he emphasized that “educational cooperation is a bridge that connects people’s hearts.”
Meeting with Ibrokhim Yulchiyevich Abdurakhmonov, Minister of Agriculture Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan
In the China–Uzbekistan High-Quality Fruit Tree Demonstration Park, Chen Hong listened to a briefing by our university’s chief expert Zhang Dong on the adaptability of apple saplings, noting that “small apples carry great significance for people’s livelihoods.” At the China-Uzbekistan Water-Saving Irrigation Agricultural Science and Technology Demonstration Park, the delegation received a comprehensive presentation from a professor from the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers and Associate Professor Yu Lianyu of our university on the pathways for transferring water-saving technologies. Chen Hong also encouraged the four graduate students conducting research in Uzbekistan to produce innovative outcomes through cross-border practical engagement.
Visit to the China-Uzbekistan Water-Saving Irrigation Agricultural Science and Technology Demonstration Park
Digital Innovation Powers Transformational Development
At the Institute of Economy and Trade of Tajik State University of Commerce in Khujand, the delegation, accompanied by Director Jalilzoda Abdurashit Abdukamol, visited the China–Tajikistan Digital Agricultural Equipment Technology Demonstration Park and conducted an on-site study of the digital agriculture simulation, IoT, and cross-border e-commerce laboratories established with support from our university.
On-site visit to our university-supported laboratories
During a visit to a China–Tajikistan cooperative demonstration enterprise, the delegation gained detailed insights into the technological upgrades of electric agricultural tricycles supported by our university. At Farovon Group, they jointly witnessed the achievements of university–enterprise collaboration and exchanged ideas on the transfer of advanced flour processing technologies, helping the enterprise improve quality and efficiency.
Technology Demonstration Paves Way for a New Chapter in Friendship
During the visit to the Institute of Botany, Plant Physiology and Genetics, National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Director Bobzoda Baqohodja held discussions with the delegation on innovations in circular agriculture technologies, laying a foundation for the green transformation of regional agriculture.
At Tajik Agrarian University Named Shirinsho Shotemur, the delegation, accompanied by Rector Mahmadyorzoda Usmon Mamur, visited the university’s history museum and facilities supported by our university, engaging in in-depth discussions on faculty and student exchanges, co-establishment of the Center for the Study of Chinese Language, and the construction of a digital demonstration park. At the university’s experimental farm, equipment such as the precision corn planter and mini-tiller operated in coordination. Chief Expert Yan Fengxin explained the working principles of the agricultural machinery to Tajik faculty and students through hands-on demonstrations and field operations. When the planter completed the full process of furrowing, fertilizing, seeding, and covering with centimeter-level accuracy, the on-site faculty and students applauded enthusiastically, exclaiming, “Chinese technology precisely meets the needs of Central Asian agriculture!”
This visit focused on agricultural science and technology cooperation as well as talent cultivation, further consolidating the foundation for China’s collaboration with Central Asian countries under the Belt and Road Initiative. Chen Hong stated that the university will earnestly implement the guidance of General Secretary Xi Jinping, continue to strengthen the role of the Silkroad Agricultural Education and Research Innovation Alliance as a connecting platform, and contribute agricultural science and technology expertise to building a community with a shared future for mankind.