To actively support the national Belt and Road Initiative and advance the university’s internationalization strategy during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, President Tan Tianwei led a delegation on an international exchange visit to Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Italy from April 17 to 25, 2026. Under the theme “Deepening International Educational Cooperation and Building Bridges for Talent Development,” the visit was committed to expanding global educational partnerships, strengthening people-to-people connectivity, and exploring new models for international cooperation in higher education. The delegation promoted in-depth institutional collaboration and academic exchanges with overseas partners, further enhancing the university’s global engagement.
At Tashkent State Agrarian University in Uzbekistan, the delegation held discussions with President Narzullo Oblomuradov, Vice President Abduaziz Abduvasikov, and heads of relevant departments and faculties. The two sides conducted in-depth exchanges on strengthening cooperation in scientific innovation, academic collaboration, and international dual-degree programs, advancing industry-university-research integration, and expanding joint efforts in agricultural and life sciences. They held extensive discussions on faculty and student exchanges, joint graduate training, short-term student mobility programs, collaborative research grant applications, and the development of pathways for international students to study in China. The two sides reached broad consensus on future cooperation and signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Academic Cooperation between Beijing University of Chemical Technology and Tashkent State Agrarian University.
Presidents of Both Universities Sign the MOU
Delegation Visits the Renaissance Lecture Hall Complex at Tashkent State Agrarian University
Delegation Visits the Beekeeping Laboratory at Tashkent State Agrarian University
During the visit, the delegation held discussions with the management team and business representatives of China Energy Engineering Group Central Asia Co., Ltd. in Uzbekistan, focusing on international talent development and the deeper integration of industry, university, and research resources. General Manager Guo Tianyu introduced the company’s achievements in the investment, construction, and operation of new energy projects in Uzbekistan, including energy storage and photovoltaic initiatives. In response to Uzbekistan’s agricultural characteristics and energy development needs, the two sides conducted in-depth discussions on potential cooperation projects, including ethanol production from crop straw and agricultural water-retention agents, and reached consensus on promoting the application and commercialization of BUCT’s research achievements in Uzbekistan. The two sides also proposed jointly applying for Belt and Road research funding programs. This exchange further strengthened the foundation for future cooperation in education, technological innovation, and talent development between the university and Chinese enterprises in Central Asia.
President Tan Tianwei and the Delegation Meet with Leaders of China Energy Engineering Group in Uzbekistan
The delegation also visited the INNO Innovation Education and Technology Park in Uzbekistan and held discussions with the park’s management team and relevant representatives. Accompanied by Park Director Akbarkhon Sobirkhonov, the delegation toured the park’s incubation facilities and gained insights into its youth entrepreneurship initiatives and project development programs. Park representatives noted that Tashkent hosts 46% of Uzbekistan’s higher education resources and 83 youth entrepreneurship projects. They expressed their intention to collaborate in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship among Chinese and Uzbek youth and advancing joint undergraduate education programs. The two sides conducted in-depth discussions on joint bachelor’s degree programs and the establishment of local student recruitment bases, reaching consensus on future cooperation in areas including technology transfer and talent exchange.
Delegation Visits INNO Innovation Education and Technology Park
President Tan Tianwei and the Delegation Meet with the Director of INNO Innovation Education and Technology Park
At the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Azerbaijan, the delegation met with Minister Counselor Ding Tao and other officials. President Tan Tianwei briefed Minister Counselor Ding Tao on the purpose of the visit, BUCT’s existing cooperation with Azerbaijani institutions, particularly the achievements of the 2+2 dual-degree program with Baku Engineering University, and the preparatory work for the establishment and inauguration of BUCT Baku College of Engineering. He expressed the hope that this institutional collaboration would further contribute to the implementation of the national Belt and Road Initiative. Minister Counselor Ding Tao provided an overview of the political, economic, and geopolitical landscape of the Caucasus region, noting that China and Azerbaijan have established a comprehensive strategic partnership. He highlighted Azerbaijan’s stable political environment, promising economic outlook, and close friendship with China, all of which provide strong foundations for further institutional cooperation.
President Tan Tianwei Holds Talks with Minister Counselor Ding Tao at the Chinese Embassy in Azerbaijan
At Baku Engineering University, the delegation held discussions with President Yagub Piriyev, Vice President for International Affairs Atraba Gul, and Vice President for Science and Innovation Agasi Malikov. President Piriyev highlighted the university’s continuous efforts to strengthen its leading disciplines, including chemistry, biotechnology, materials science, and computer science, as well as its improving global academic rankings. He noted that the two universities had already established six successful 2+2 dual-degree joint training programs, providing a solid foundation for expanded cooperation. During the meeting, the two presidents officially signed the agreement to establish the “BUCT Baku College of Engineering.” As the first undergraduate-level overseas educational institution established by China in Azerbaijan, the joint college will offer four flagship programs: Chemistry and Polymer Materials Engineering, Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Computer Science and Technology, and Mechanical Engineering and Process Equipment and Control Engineering. Adopting a “3+1” joint education model, the program enables qualified graduates to receive bachelor’s degrees awarded by both universities. The delegation also toured the university’s IT and chemistry laboratories, observed laboratory teaching activities and faculty-student interactions, and gained comprehensive insights into its educational and research operations.
Presidents ExchangeGifts
Delegation Holds Discussions with Baku EngineeringUniversity
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President Tan Tianwei and the President of Baku Engineering University Attend the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the Joint College
President Tan Tianwei and the President of Baku Engineering University Plant a Commemorative Tree
BUCT Delegation Tours Laboratories at Baku Engineering University
On the same day, the delegation met with Emin Amrullayev, Minister of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Minister Amrullayev congratulated BUCT and Baku Engineering University on the establishment of the joint college and expressed his hope that the two universities would further expand cooperation into areas such as scientific research collaboration and doctoral-level talent cultivation, elevating educational and scientific exchanges to a new stage. President Tan Tianwei expressed his sincere appreciation to the Minister for meeting with the delegation and fully endorsed his proposals. He stated that BUCT would leverage the establishment of the joint college as a new platform to extend existing undergraduate cooperation toward advanced talent development and joint research institutions, thereby promoting higher-level innovation capacity and disciplinary advancement at both universities. The meeting was attended by Baku Engineering University President Piriyev and Vice President Gul, along with Li Qifang, Party Secretary of the International Education College at BUCT, and Wei Min, Dean of the College of Chemistry.
Minister of Education Emin Amrullayev Meets with President Tan Tianwei and the Delegation
At Baku State University, the delegation, together with Lu Mei, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Azerbaijan, and Elchin Babayev, President of Baku State University, attended the 2026 International Chinese Language Day event. In the presence of Ambassador Lu Mei, BUCT and Baku State University signed a 2+2 dual-degree cooperation agreement in Chemistry, under which Baku State University will begin sending students to BUCT for study in September of this year.
During the discussions, President Babayev highlighted the university’s comprehensive academic strengths and the outstanding reputation of its chemistry discipline, expressing the hope of expanding cooperation beyond the dual-degree program into research collaboration and academic exchanges in areas including biology, materials science, mathematics, and related fields. President Tan Tianwei presented the Memorandum of Understanding previously signed by the two institutions and extended a cordial invitation to faculty members and students of Baku State University to participate in the “10th International Conference on Biorefinery and Biomanufacturing” hosted by BUCT in June. During the meeting, Zhang Haobin, Dean of the School of Materials Science and Engineering, and Wei Min, Dean of the College of Chemistry, shared their achievements in talent cultivation, disciplinary development, and scientific research, expressing their expectations for further strengthening comprehensive institutional cooperation.
President Tan Tianwei and Ambassador Lu Mei Attend the 2026 International Chinese Language Day Event at Baku State University
President Tan Tianwei and the Delegation Meet with President and Senior Leaders of Baku State University
President Tan Tianwei and the President of Baku State University Sign the Chemistry 2+2 Dual-Degree Cooperation Agreement
At the University of Catania, the delegation held discussions with Rector Enrico Foti, Vice Rector for Internationalization Maria Alessandra Ragusa, and representatives from the Department of Chemical Sciences, the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, the BRIT Center, and other academic units. The two sides conducted in-depth exchanges on talent cultivation, academic cooperation, and scientific research collaboration, reaching consensus on further deepening institutional partnerships and promoting faculty and student exchanges. During the meeting, the two university presidents signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation. Following the discussions, the delegation visited the university’s biotechnology and nanotechnology laboratories and engaged in in-depth exchanges with researchers on site.
President Tan Tianwei and the Rector of the University of Catania Sign the MOU
Group Photo of the Two Delegations After the Meeting
Delegation Visits the Nanotechnology Laboratory
Delegation Visits the Biotechnology Laboratory
At the University of Florence, the delegation held discussions with Alessio Papini, Head of the Department of Biology, Luca De Santis from the International Office, and other representatives. The university introduced its strengths in biological sciences, research achievements, internationalization strategy, and existing partnerships with Chinese institutions. Professor Li Qifang from BUCT presented the university’s distinctive academic features, educational and research capabilities, and global cooperation network. The two sides engaged in in-depth discussions on biological discipline development, scientific research collaboration, and international educational cooperation, exploring potential areas and pathways for future partnership. Following the meeting, the delegation visited the university’s botanical garden and biochemistry laboratories, where they conducted professional exchanges with researchers and further strengthened mutual understanding as a foundation for future institutional cooperation.
President Tan Tianwei and the Delegation Meet with the Head of the Department of Biology at the University of Florence
President Tan Tianwei and the Delegation Visit the Biology Laboratories at the University of Florence
President Tan Tianwei and the Delegation Visit the Botanical Garden at the University of Florence
The visit to Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Italy further consolidated and expanded the university’s international cooperation in chemistry, materials science, and bioengineering. It marked the establishment of an undergraduate-level overseas educational institution in Azerbaijan, representing an innovative approach to Sino-foreign cooperative education and further enhancing the university’s global reputation. Through high-quality international educational cooperation, the university actively contributed to the Belt and Road Initiative and promoted deeper educational exchanges and mutually beneficial development between China, Central Asia, and Europe.
The delegation consisted of Li Qifang, Party Secretary of the International Education College; Wei Min, Dean of the College of Chemistry; Zhang Haobin, Dean of the School of Materials Science and Engineering; and Fan Fan, Director of the Audit Office.
Appendix:
1. Tashkent State Agrarian University: A public agricultural university in Uzbekistan and one of Central Asia’s oldest and most comprehensive institutions for agricultural higher education and research. With agriculture and life sciences as its core disciplines, the university focuses on agricultural innovation, industry-university-research integration, and international collaborative talent development, serving as a leading platform for agricultural education and research in Uzbekistan.
2. China Energy Engineering Group Central Asia Co., Ltd.: A wholly owned subsidiary of China Energy Engineering Group (CEEC) in Uzbekistan, responsible for market expansion, project development, and project supervision within the country. Focusing on investment and construction in emerging energy sectors such as energy storage and photovoltaics, the company has developed a strong presence in the Central Asian energy market and actively promotes industry-university-research integration and international talent development, serving as a key platform for Chinese enterprises’ energy cooperation in the region.
3. INNO Innovation Education and Technology Park: An innovation incubation and technology transfer platform within Uzbekistan’s higher education sector, bringing together Tashkent’s high-quality higher education resources and youth entrepreneurship projects. Dedicated to youth innovation and entrepreneurship cultivation, joint undergraduate education, technology transfer, and the development of local student recruitment bases, the park serves as an important bridge for educational and technological cooperation between China and Uzbekistan.
4. Baku Engineering University: A leading public engineering university in Azerbaijan, recognized for its strengths in chemistry, materials science, biotechnology, computer science, and mechanical engineering, as well as its high degree of internationalization. The joint undergraduate college established with BUCT serves as a model for China-Azerbaijan cooperation in engineering education.
5. Baku State University: Azerbaijan’s oldest and one of its highest-ranked public research universities, with distinguished strengths in chemistry and an on-campus Confucius Institute. Serving as a key hub for higher education and scientific research in Azerbaijan, the university plays an important role in promoting cultural and academic exchanges between China and Azerbaijan.
6. University of Catania: A comprehensive public research university in Italy, with academic disciplines spanning medicine, engineering, chemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology. Renowned for its strengths in supramolecular chemistry, catalysis, and bionanotechnology, the university serves as a major hub for higher education and scientific research in southern Italy.
7. University of Florence: A prestigious public research university in Italy and a European center of excellence in research and education. With a long history and comprehensive academic structure, the university has notable strengths in biology, biotechnology, and molecular and cellular sciences, integrating teaching, scientific research, and cultural heritage preservation. It serves as an important partner in promoting higher education exchanges between China and Europe.