In dry Uzbekistan, Chinese water know-how makes a difference

As the cotton harvest season arrives in Uzbekistan, a research team from Xi'an University of Technology in Shaanxi province has headed to its experimental fields in Tashkent, the country's capital, in a vivid example of how China's water governance know-how has taken root in Central Asia. The university advances three parallel priorities: co-establishing laboratories, rolling out training programs and bringing industrial partners onboard.

In October last year, XUT and Uzbekistan launched a joint laboratory for innovation in water conservancy aimed at arid areas of Tashkent. Central Asia has low rainfall, extreme evaporation, dry soil and widespread salinity.

The university hosts a State key laboratory for water engineering ecology and environment. Its research focuses on water scarcity, fragile ecosystems, sediment disasters and hydraulic infrastructure safety. Four core research tracks cover water cycle regulation, ecological restoration, water engineering and construction and clean hydropower equipment and materials.

Beyond the lab, XUT has introduced cross-border talent training. The two sides signed a "1+1" overseas joint training agreement for high-caliber specialists in hydraulic and agricultural engineering. Chinese and Uzbek students collaborate in the laboratory to calibrate equipment, process data and compare soil samples from various arid regions.

Uzbek students complete part of their curriculum in their native country and finish practical training in Chinese labs and irrigation districts to acquire integrated solutions for arid land challenges.

XUT also initiated the International Alliance of Ecological Water Conservancy and New Energy, gathering some 30 universities, research institutes and enterprises worldwide for joint research, training and technology transfer.

Moving forward, the university will deepen its engagement with Central Asia, including partners in the Belt and Road Initiative, and will expand ties with Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and other nations to build an international benchmark for eco-friendly water science in arid zones.