Joint commitment

In Uzbekistan, China has provided strong support for the establishment and construction of the "Silk Road" International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage, symbolizing a joint commitment to nurturing educational opportunities and preserving the rich heritage of the ancient Silk Road.

Zou Tongqian, director of the China Academy of Culture and Tourism at Beijing International Studies University, now serves as the first Chinese vice-rector of the "Silk Road" International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage in Samarkand, southeastern Uzbekistan.

He said the initiative to open the university was proposed by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the 2018 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Qingdao, Shandong province.

"The president said Central Asia has rich tourism resources, and developing the tourism industry can promote economic development and cultural exchange in the region," Zou said.

Since moving to Samarkand in 2022, Zou has witnessed firsthand the local emphasis on the Chinese tourism market and the benefits of increased exchanges for bilateral relations. "Uzbekistan is seeking ways to attract Chinese tourists," he said.

The local government plans to send guides to China for training and invite Chinese guides to impart their expertise in Uzbekistan, thereby equipping local Chinese-speaking guides with a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and tourist preferences, he said.

"Many of our university's teachers have taken part in tourism-related training in China. Starting this September, all students must learn Chinese, which is unprecedented."

After visiting China or interacting with Chinese people, many locals have gained a deeper understanding of China, he said.

"For example, our university's teachers were deeply impressed after a training trip to Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an last year. They were amazed by Shanghai's development and found Xi'an's tourism practices worth learning from.

"As Central Asia and China continue to build bridges through tourism and education, the mutual curiosity and understanding promise closer ties and shared prosperity."