Tianjin signed a friendship agreement with the Uzbek capital Tashkent and the Jizzakh region of the Central Asian country on Sept 5, formally establishing sister city relations.

Uzbekistan is a key partner in the Belt and Road Initiative and, in January this year, it upgraded its relationship with China to an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership, strengthening their long-standing ties.

Tashkent serves as Uzbekistan's political, economic and cultural hub and remains an important commercial center situated on the route of the ancient Silk Road. Jizzakh region, located in the central-eastern part of Uzbekistan, is known for its agricultural economy, rich natural resources and was also strategically located on the historic Silk Road.

Tianjin has long had productive ties with Tashkent and Jizzakh in the areas of industry, trade and education, with events like the Tianjin-Jizzakh Cooperation Exchange and the China (Tianjin)-Uzbekistan (Tashkent) Educational Cooperation Roundtable strengthening this relationship. Notably, the Tianjin vocational education initiative, the Luban Workshop, was launched in collaboration with Tashkent State Transport University.

Going forward, Tianjin seeks to leverage its strategic location, ports and educational resources to foster stronger bilateral ties and a shared future between China and Uzbekistan.

With sister-city relationships now established with 102 cities across 54 countries, Tianjin’s Foreign Affairs Office is committed to enhancing international partnerships, transforming these connections into engines of high-quality development.