From December 12 to 14, a 27-people economic and trade delegation led by Shunkor Khudayberdiev, Vice Governor of Samarqand Region of Uzbekistan, visited Ningxia . The purpose of this visit was to establish a platform for exchanges and further practical cooperation between the two places in fields such as trade, investment, protected agriculture, animal husbandry, and industrial park development.

Liu Jun, Vice Governor of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, met with the delegation and singed a MOU with Khudayberdiev on establishing international friendship city relations between Ningxia and Samarqand Region. Additionally, MOUs on establishing international friendship city relations were signed between Shizuishan City and Nurabad District, and Wuzhong City and Payarik District respectively. Officials from the Ningxia Foreign Affairs Office (NXFAO), Shizuishan City and Wuzhong City accompanied the delegation during their visit.

Ningxia-Samarqand Economic and Trade Exchange and Cooperation Matchmaking Meeting

The Ningxia-Samarqand Economic and Trade Exchange and Cooperation Matchmaking Meeting was jointly held by the two local governments. Representatives from 27 Ningxia and 15 Samarqand enterprises had discussions on practical cooperation and future business opportunities. In total, seven intentional cooperation agreements were signed.

The delegation visited Ningxia Lvtian Fruit Industry Co., Ltd. and Ningxia Taijin Seeds Co., Ltd. to learn about Ningxia’s advancement in protected agriculture and modern seed industry. They showed great interest in greenhouse temperature control techniques and seed selection and production methods. Khudayberdiev noted the similarities in topography and climate between Ningxia and Samarqand, suggesting that companies from both sides seize this opportunity to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning, and seek cooperation opportunities. He also suggested the two sides work to promote common industrial development, adding new elements to the modern agriculture cooperation between Uzbekistan and China.

Furthermore, the delegation visited Ningxia Hosenji Food Co., Ltd., Ningxia Dayao Drinks Co., Ltd., and Wuzhong Instrument Co., Ltd. to learn about Ningxia’s latest progress in the six emerging industries, six specialty agricultural industries and six priority industries, particularly modern food processing and equipment manufacturing. Khudayberdiev expressed his desire to step up exchanges of experiences and technologies and further deepen cooperation, to see that mutually beneficial results are delivered through various projects and practical measures.

Samarqand delegation visits Ningxia companies.

Going forward, acting on the principles of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and the China-Central Asia Summit, the NXFAO will actively showcase Ningxia’s practices of Chinese modernization and facilitate new breakthroughs in areas such as trade, agriculture and animal husbandry between Ningxia and Samarqand. The NXFAO will also strive to enhance exchanges and cooperation with Samarqand in protected agriculture, animal husbandry, equipment manufacturing, and international friendship cities. With these efforts, it aims to contribute to the China-Uzbekistan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the high-quality development of the Belt and Road cooperation.