As part of the ongoing Second Uzbekistan – China Interregional Forum in Samarkand, Acting Hokim of Samarkand region Adiz Boboyev held meetings with heads of Shandong and Shaanxi provinces of the People’s Republic of China.

During the meeting with Song Junji, Vice Governor of Shandong Province, it was noted that cooperation between the two countries’ regions is steadily expanding thanks to regular high-level dialogues.

A. Boboyev proposed establishing cooperation with Shandong Province in agricultural production and processing, implementing investment projects in the pharmaceutical, construction, and textile industries, creating a vocational education center in Samarkand, and introducing joint educational programs.

“To further enrich the cultural ties between the two regions, it is necessary to organize the ‘Days of Shandong Province Culture’ in Samarkand and to launch student exchange programs between the universities of both regions”, said the regional head.

Song Junji, Vice Governor of Shandong Province, highlighted the large-scale reforms implemented in Uzbekistan in recent years across various sectors, the favorable conditions created for foreign investors, and emphasized that the visit of Chinese entrepreneurs to Samarkand would serve as an important factor in accelerating the implementation of the agreements reached and expanding future areas of cooperation.

During the event, the prospects for cooperation were discussed, and several agreements in production and trade were reached. A Memorandum of Cooperation and other documents were signed between Shandong Province and Samarkand region.

During the meeting between Acting Hokim of Samarkand region, Adiz Boboyev, and Governor of Shaanxi Province of the People’s Republic of China, Zhao Gang, discussions were held on organizing modern greenhouse complexes and fruit and vegetable processing enterprises in Samarkand, producing and exporting environmentally friendly agricultural products, establishing joint ventures in the pharmaceutical, electrical, light industry, and construction materials sectors, creating a special industrial hub for Chinese companies within the Urgut Free Economic Zone, as well as developing logistics centers along the “Samarkand – Shaanxi” route.

Governor Zhao Gang highlighted the consistent development of bilateral relations and the regularity of visits and meetings at various levels. He expressed readiness to support the further strengthening cooperation between the two regions.

[gallery-23710]

G. Khasanov, photos by A. Isroilov, UzA