Two wind farms, built under China-Uzbekistan cooperation in Uzbekistan's Bukhara region, are enhancing local residents' quality of life by providing improved village infrastructure and professional on-the-job training.
The project of Bash and Dzhankeldy wind farms -- the largest of its kind in Central Asia -- was jointly invested in, built and operated by Saudi Arabia-based energy company ACWA Power and China Southern Power Grid (CSG) International (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd. The total installed capacity is 1.027 million kilowatts. The farms use equipment directly imported from China, including turbine unites and blades.
Generating about 7 percent of Uzbekistan's total annual power output, the two farms have significantly contributed to the country's green transition.
"Our cooperation with China extends beyond investment in large-scale project to include talent development and collaborative engineering solutions. China is one of our key, strategic, and largest partners in our comprehensive cooperation partnership," said Jurabek Mirzamahmudov, Uzbek Energy Minister.
Ozod Xolikov is a technician at the Bash Wind Farm and lives in a village near the power generation facility. He said the operation of all the 79 wind turbines at the facility is monitored by special personnel 24 hours a day.
Xolikov received training from Chinese expert teams to learn about the working mechanism of turbine unites and the training was part of the systematic instruction launched by the Chinese contractor, which lasted for two years.
As an experienced technician, Xolikov now has two apprentices, and he drives them home after the class. The village, with well-constructed roads and a complete set of facilities, stands as an example of the improved life of locals thanks to the wind farm project that has created job positions and brings better development opportunities.
"The project holds great significance for us, and it adopts advanced technologies. The wind farm not only benefits the locals but is also important for our country. I feel from the bottom of my heart the importance of the project as it creates a better life for us," said Xolikov.
Wind farm under China-Uzbekistan cooperation helps promote local development
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
