Uzbekistan and China to build storm early warning system

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan and China have agreed to expand cooperation in environmental protection, including the development of early warning systems for dust and sand storms.

The issue was discussed during a meeting between Aziz Abdukhakimov, Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan on environmental issues and Chairman of the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change, and Huang Runqiu, China’s Minister of Ecology, held on the sidelines of a regional environmental summit.

The sides reviewed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, noting its steady development and growing shift toward practical implementation. Particular emphasis was placed on the introduction of advanced technologies, scientific exchange, and joint initiatives aimed at addressing environmental challenges in the region.

The Chinese side expressed appreciation for Uzbekistan’s support of the Central Asian Regional Research Center for Combating Desertification and Developing Desert Economy under Green University, established with the participation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The center was described as an important platform for research, specialist training, and the development of solutions to land degradation.

During the talks, the Chinese delegation reported on ongoing joint projects, including the construction of 11 waste incineration plants in Uzbekistan with Chinese investment, which was cited as evidence of a high level of mutual trust and effective cooperation.

The Uzbek side proposed several areas for further collaboration, including the use of China’s experience in climate research through satellite technologies, improved monitoring of dust storms, study of national environmental control systems, organization of a joint environmental forum, and the establishment of an air quality laboratory.

China supported these initiatives and expressed readiness for their practical implementation. In particular, the sides discussed creating a joint laboratory for air and water quality monitoring, expanding scientific research, and strengthening national observation systems with the involvement of international organizations.

The discussions also covered cooperation in desert economy development and the use of Uzbekistan’s scientific institutions as a regional platform in this field.

As a result of the meeting, the parties agreed to implement Chinese expertise in establishing early warning systems for dust and sand storms, with subsequent adaptation of these technologies in Uzbekistan.

The Chinese side also confirmed its readiness to send specialists and scientists to support capacity building and to host Uzbek delegations for experience exchange in the environmental sector.