Peking University, July 17, 2023: A delegation from PKU’s School of Foreign Languages (SFL) recently completed their visiting trip to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. This excursion was undertaken as part of the research program "Silk Road: Ancient and Present," which specifically delves into the rich historical and cultural heritage of the countries neighboring China. The program's primary focus lies in exploring the profound humanity history of these regions.

Departure from Beijing Capital Airport

Within two weeks, the delegation visited 11 cities or regions of the two countries. During this enriching journey, they engaged in fruitful meetings with 11 esteemed high-level universities, 15 Chinese-founded enterprises, and 25 significant public cultural institutions from both countries.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by teachers and students from universities in both Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Through on-the-spot visits, the delegation had an in-depth understanding of the discipline settings, personnel training, research directions, and graduate employment in the two countries. This firsthand experience also allowed the group to gain a profound knowledge of the educational landscapes in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Group photo in Kyrgyzstan National University

To deepen the understanding of the civilization in Central Asia, the delegation ventured into various public cultural institutions. At the National History Museum of Uzbekistan, the delegation sorted out the national historical narratives and foreign policies of the two countries based on the exhibition design. Exploring the Palace of Khudayar Khan, the group collaborated to decipher the intricate inscriptions carved onto the exhibits, forging a profound appreciation for the region's rich multicultural traditions.

During their visit to Chinese-funded enterprises, the delegation conducted interviews with the company leaders. These insightful conversations shed light on their developmental journey, current operational status, and the opportunities and challenges they face. The group actively posed inquiries regarding a range of pertinent topics, such as the state of China-Central Asia cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, corporate compliance practices, localized management strategies, security measures, and social responsibility efforts.
 

Group photo

Through pre-departure literature review, field observation, and interviews with front-line staff, the delegation obtained first-hand information. This wealth of data will be instrumental in crafting their research report, which aims to provide essential intellectual support for significant endeavors, including the construction of the China-Kyrgyz-Uzbekistan Railway, the advancement of Chinese-funded enterprises in Central Asian countries, and the promotion of cultural exchanges between China and Central Asian nations.

The project has garnered support from both the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Graduate School of PKU as it represents an important step in SFL's efforts to implement the University's "Global Engagement Year," reflecting its unwavering dedication to nurturing international connections and promoting initiatives on a global scale.


*This story is part of the special coverage of PKU’s “Global Engagement Year.”


Written by: Fu Jiaqi
Edited by: Dennis Meng
Source: PKU News (Chinese)