In April in Tianjin, the sea breeze carries a humid industrial atmosphere. At the training base of Tianjin Light Industry Vocational and Technical College, Erjinjan Turdimov, the governor of Sildario Province in Uzbekistan, did not stop at a simple visit, but repeatedly inquired about the details of equipment operation. Faced with the rapidly operating intelligent manufacturing production line in front of him, what he saw was not only machines, but also the "talent seeds" urgently needed for the upgrading of his hometown's industries. This cross-border handshake is not only an intercollegiate cooperation, but also a timely rain for Sildario Province to overcome the bottleneck of skilled talents and connect with the Chinese vocational education model.

200 square meter workshop and 10 professors to learn from

At the signing ceremony held in Tianjin, Guliston National University of Sildario Province and Tianjin Vocational and Technical College of Light Industry signed an agreement, clarifying three "hard core" cooperation contents and transforming the blueprint into a specific timetable and spatial planning:

Platform construction: Both parties plan to build a 200 square meter "Luban Workshop" on the campus of Wufang. This is not an ordinary classroom, but a high standard training platform focused on artificial intelligence and information technology, aiming to directly "replicate" China's practical teaching standards to Central Asian campuses.

Dispatch of faculty: From May to June 2026, Gulston National University will dispatch 10 professors to Tianjin for short-term internships. Their task is not to engage in general communication, but to deepen their understanding of modern vocational training methods in China and the operation and management of innovative laboratories, with the aim of cultivating "masters" who can lead apprentices.

Strong bond: In addition to hardware and personnel exchanges, both parties have also agreed on normalized cooperation in international scientific practice conferences, joint application of scientific research projects, and other aspects, building a long-term mechanism of "teacher-student exchange+scientific research cooperation+practical empowerment".

Industrial upgrading forces education to make up for missed classes

The proactive attack by the province of Sildario is driven by urgent practical needs. The province is vigorously promoting industrial upgrading and talent cultivation strategies, but it has long faced pain points such as a shortage of skilled talents and a disconnect between education and industry. During his visit to China, Governor Turdimov frankly stated that the development of local industries urgently needs to learn from China's mature vocational education experience.

The Chinese vocational education system, especially the "learning by doing" model in fields such as artificial intelligence and information technology, is highly compatible with the future industrial layout of Sildario Province. This cooperation is essentially about injecting talent into regional economic development through inter school collaboration, and solving the problem of "having industries but no one".

Chinese standards going global and talent development in Ukraine

This agreement is a strategic leap for both parties:

For Wufang (Gulston National University): This is an opportunity to enhance its educational strength. By introducing the curriculum system of Tianjin Light Industry and the "Luban Workshop" model, students can acquire practical skills that are closer to the forefront of the industry and directly serve local enterprises.

To the Chinese side (Tianjin Light Industry): This is another solid step for China's vocational education to "go global". By exporting mature vocational education models and resources, the college has expanded its overseas cooperation territory, enhanced its international influence, and added practical footnotes to the cultural exchanges between China and Ukraine.

With the implementation of the blueprint for the "Luban Workshop", the cooperation between China and Ukraine in the field of education is shifting from "handshake" to "hand in hand", paving a talent fast lane for the economic transformation of Sildario Province.Editor/Yang Meiling