Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A delegation from Uzbekistan's Uzatom agency held working meetings with representatives of Belarusian energy education institutions and industry in Minsk to discuss workforce training and potential cooperation on Uzbekistan's nuclear power plant construction project.
A key focus of talks with Alexander Novikov, Director of Minsk State Energy College, was the training of mid-level technical specialists needed for the construction and operation of energy facilities.
The discussions explored opportunities for cooperation through Jizzakh Polytechnic Institute, including the possible establishment of a training centre for electricians, welders and other technical professionals required by the energy sector.
Minsk State Energy College has trained specialists for Belarus's energy industry for more than 50 years, producing over 20,000 graduates. Since 2009, the institution has also provided training for personnel working at the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant, with its students participating in the facility's construction.
College representatives said cooperation with energy companies enables the institution to combine classroom instruction with practical training while supporting graduates' employment prospects.
Novikov expressed the Belarusian side's readiness to share its experience in workforce development.
He said a systematic approach to education, close cooperation with industry and the development of practical skills were essential to building a qualified workforce for the nuclear energy sector.
During the visit, the Uzatom delegation also met with Nadezhda Lazarevich, Chairwoman of the Bellegprom concern, and the company's management to discuss potential industrial cooperation related to Uzbekistan's nuclear power plant project.
The parties examined possible areas of collaboration aimed at developing industrial partnerships and strengthening the future facility's technological resilience.
Bellegprom enterprises export products to more than 60 countries and have experience in international cooperation.
Lazarevich said Belarus was closely following the development of Uzbekistan's nuclear industry and saw opportunities for long-term cooperation as the country's industrial capacity expanded.
She also expressed the concern's willingness to participate in joint initiatives.
Following the meetings, both sides reaffirmed their interest in expanding practical cooperation, particularly in specialist training and industrial collaboration connected with the construction of Uzbekistan's nuclear power plant.
