The "China-Central Asia Cotton Science and Technology Innovation and Cooperation International Academic Exchange Conference," organized by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), was successfully held in Changji, Xinjiang, from September 26 to 29. The conference aimed to build on the success of the inaugural "China-Central Asia Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation and Cooperation International Seminar" and strengthen scientific exchanges and cooperation in the cotton industry between China and Central Asia. The event also sought to enhance regional agricultural innovation and talent development, supporting high-quality agricultural growth in the region.

Prof. Sun Tan, Vice President of CAAS, emphasized that Xinjiang, as China's gateway to Central Asia and a core area of the Silk Road Economic Belt, possesses distinct advantages in terms of openness, technology, economy, and culture. The region's similar natural environment and climate resources with Central Asian countries provide a solid foundation for deepening agricultural cooperation, particularly in cotton and other agricultural fields. The conference represented a significant step in advancing agricultural scientific research collaboration between China and Central Asia, with the potential to increase cotton production capacity in Central Asia, boost farmers' incomes, alleviate domestic land use conflicts, and strengthen China's cotton industry competitiveness. The event also aimed to contribute to the construction of the "New Silk Road Economic Belt" and support regional agricultural development.

During the conference, Sun Tan awarded honorary professorships to Shadman Namazov, Academician of the Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences, and Amantik Kostakov, Academician of the Kazakhstan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, marking a significant step in fostering cooperation in talent training and research between China and Central Asia, laying a solid foundation for future collaboration.