Farkhod Kasimov, an academic from Uzbekistan who now serves as a technical advisor to a smart agricultural machinery company in east China's Shandong Province, is committed to finding creative ways to help strengthen cooperation between his homeland and China, two partners in the Belt and Road Initiative.
Following the signing ceremony, associate professor Farkhod Kasimov from Tashkent State Technical University in Uzbekistan has officially assumed his new position in Shandong Province.
Uzbekistan, a country with a rich history and beautiful landscapes, plays an important role in China's agricultural cooperation and is a key participant in the Belt and Road Initiative. As part of these expanding exchanges, in 2018, Farkhod was selected for China's Ministry of Science and Technology's Talented Young Scientist Program.
"After coming here, we used a project of smart agricultural machinery with our team, and we have tested this type of machines Nowadays, I want to develop this project and add some artificial intelligence," he said.
While discussing his plans in an interview, Farkhod offered to cook and share a traditional Uzbek pilaf with the crew.
"I'm happy if you like the pilaf, because pilaf is our national food and we prepare it often," he said.
Farkhod said that during the years he's traveled between China and Uzbekistan, he has witnessed the continued progress of the Belt and Road Initiative and has gained a lot from the experience.
Reflecting on these developments, he shared his perspective on the growing international ties the Initiative has helped foster.
"The Belt and Road Initiative has truly united researchers and given scientific researchers an international view. Nowadays in Uzbek markets, you can see more Chinese products like electronic products and electric cars made in China. In Jinan City, you can also see stores and restaurants from Türkiye and Kazakhstan. I believe that the Belt and Road Initiative has brought benefits and deepened our relationship," he said.
Uzbek academic builds bridges with smart agriculture in China
China's box office revenues, including ticket pre-sales, have surpassed 29 billion yuan (4.2 billion U.S. dollars) for 2026, with 737 million admissions and 106 million screenings recorded so far this year.
A dazzling lineup of summer hits have broken multiple records and drawn audiences back to theaters, with the three-month summer movie season from June to August recording an all-time high revenue of 12.498 billion yuan, up 4.45 percent from the 11.96 billion yuan in the previous summer.
Among this year's top performers is "Once Upon a Time in the Middle East." Set in a war-torn Middle Eastern city, the film follows a Chinese cook who travels abroad in search of a better life, weaving anti-war themes into a culinary story with a cross-cultural commentary.
Hong Kong director Stephen Chow's sports comedy Kung Fu Soccer about a team of female footballers has so far grossed over 2.33 billion yuan at the box office.
"Dear You," a Chaoshan (Teochew)-dialect film, tells a moving story of homesickness and family ties among overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia. Its global box office has now surpassed 2.1 billion yuan.
"All Wishes Come True," which draws inspiration from the classic Chinese folk tale "The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea", has been released across North America, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Europe, and has topped the charts among Chinese-language films in several countries.
In addition to its box office success, the film has also driven tourists to the real-world landscapes that inspired it.
Penglai in Yantai City, east China's Shandong Province has long been associated with the "Eight Immortals" legend.
At the heart of the destination is Penglai Pavilion, a historic complex overlooking the Yellow Sea.
Visitors can explore "Eight Immortals"-themed products, ride a panoramic cable car or take a speedboat across the sea.
Nearly 20 scenic spots and commercial areas are offering special deals to moviegoers, with some promotions running through September 30.
"Penglai is a very famous place. After watching 'All Wishes Come True,' I wanted to bring my child here. It really feels like stepping into the story," said one visitor.
China's 2026 box office revenues hit 29 billion yuan
