Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan

In their opening remarks, the ministers emphasized that cooperation between the two countries in higher education, science, innovation, vocational training, and language teaching is steadily developing and strengthening.

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of Uzbekistan, Qo‘ng‘irotboy Sharipov, stated:

“I am confident that today’s forum will elevate cooperation between Uzbekistan and China to a new level, and that education and science will become a solid foundation for the strategic partnership between our two countries. The results 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 China, Huai Jinpeng, in his speech, noted that cooperation between universities of the two countries has been developing steadily in recent years.

“At present, the Tashkent branch of the Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University has been operating for over a year. More than 50 students are studying there, and the Chinese side has sent over 30 qualified lecturers to Uzbekistan,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in digital education, stating that China is ready to share its advanced digital education concepts and resources with Uzbekistan. He invited Uzbek institutions to take an active part in international platforms established under Chinese initiatives, such as the Global Alliance for Digital Education and the Global MOOCs and Online Resources Alliance.

As noted at the forum, today 2,725 students in 23 universities across Uzbekistan are studying Chinese in 38 different disciplines. Meanwhile, more than 7,000 Uzbek students are currently studying in China. Over the past three years, more than 500 students and teachers have been sent to China on grant programs to study the Chinese language and culture.

In addition, 29 joint educational programs have been launched between 11 universities of both countries, clearly demonstrating the tangible results of bilateral cooperation.

During the forum, in the presence of both ministers, representatives of universities from Uzbekistan and China exchanged signed agreements and memorandums on the implementation of joint projects and programs in higher education, science, and innovation.

Following the opening ceremony, the forum continued with thematic sessions focused on digital transformation in education, applying scientific research to practice, improving faculty qualifications, and expanding student exchange programs.