China is exploring ways to promote educational exchanges with Central Asian countries. These efforts appear to be aimed at boosting Chinese business activity in the region.
Chinese Vice Minister of Education Sun Yao recently visited Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. In Astana, the focus was on establishing a Kazakh-China scientific research center at Al-Farabi State University, one of Kazakhstan's most prestigious higher education institutions. Officials also announced plans to expand educational exchange programs, as well as expand Chinese language education at Kazakh universities and develop dual degree programs.
In Uzbekistan, Son's talks also focused on expanding Chinese language education and educational cooperation in areas such as engineering, internet technology, artificial intelligence and medicine, according to a statement from Uzbekistan's Ministry of Higher Education. The two countries hope to hold a forum for university presidents from Uzbekistan and China in 2024. Mr. Sun also raised the possibility of opening additional vocational training centers in both Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, so-called Luban workshops.
According to Turkmenistan government spokesperson Neytraliny Turkmenistan, the China National Petroleum Corporation of Turkmenistan (CNPCIT) continues its program to train energy sector specialists in Turkmenistan. Over the next two years, CNPCIT will provide scholarships to Turkmenistan nationals to study at China Petroleum University. Exchange students will focus on gaining specialized knowledge in areas such as reservoir exploration and engineering. To date, CNPCIT has supported her 158 Turkmen students to study at the University of Petroleum.
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