2025 New Year Reception for Foreign Experts was successfully organized by XIEG

To enhance communication among foreign experts working in Xinjiang, the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences hosted the 2025 New Year Reception for Foreign Experts. This event aims to create a platform for knowledge sharing, cultural exchange, and collaboration, strengthening the bond between foreign experts and local community.

Opening of the event (Image by XIEG)

Prof. ZHANG Daoyuan, Deputy Director of XIEG, extended her New Year greetings to all participants. She noted that 2024 marks a milestone for the institute, as it has achieved a series of important scientific and technological advancements that will greatly enhance the international influence of the institute. She highlighted that foreign experts are a vital part of the institute’s research community, serving as a bridge to promote international scientific cooperation and acting as friendly ambassadors to foster friendship between China and the rest of the world. In the coming year, XIEG is committed to creating a supportive working, living and learning environment for each and every foreign expert, she said.

ZHANG Daoyuan delivers her speech (Image by XIEG)

Official representatives from local administrations, introduced the region’s scientific and technological achievements in 2024, along with the latest policies for foreign experts, including work permits, visas and residence permits, as well as application for research projects and the Tianshan Awards.

With the goal of becoming a regional center for scientific and technological innovation center orientated towards Central Asia, Xinjiang has held the Scientific and Technological Innovation Conference for several successive years, and established a number of sci-tech platforms. The local administrations will further enhance personnel exchanges and international cooperation, improve services for foreign experts, and help them enjoy living in Xinjiang while realizing their personal aspirations and dreams.

Experts from Egypt, Nepal, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Rwanda and other countries shared their research and living experiences in Xinjiang, praising the support they received. They noted that Xinjiang offers a valuable place for scientific research, complemented by its stunning natural scenery and rich cultural history. As foreign experts, they will conduct impactful research, sharing great and positive stories with the world, and contributing to the advancement of science and technology in Xinjiang.

Tohir Bozorov shares his experience (Image by XIEG)

Dr. Tohir Bozorov from Uzbekistan presented his scientific research on the damage caused by rot and the Agrilus mali on the wild apples in Xinjiang, along with the research funding he received from various sources in China. Dr. Zeeshan Ahmed from Pakistan remarked that Xinjiang has "hometown-like food, vibrant culture and magnificent natural landscapes", which remind him of his own country. As a foreign expert, he takes great pride in conducting research in Xinjiang and applying his findings in Xinjiang and other regions."

Group photo (Image by XIEG)

As a tradition, XIEG has hosted the New Year Reception for Foreign Experts for many years. Alongside with the "Salon for Scientific Exchange (SSE), this event offers foreign experts a platform to enhance communication, collaboration, and idea exchange, while also fostering their sense of belonging and supporting their research endeavors.

Contact

LONG Huaping

Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography

E-mail: longhp@ms.xjb.ac.cn

Web: http://english.egi.cas.cn