From Sept. 26 to October 1, 2019, Prof. Tao led a delegation to visit Kazakhstan on invitation of Mr. Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and passed a letter from Prof. Li Qingquan, President of Shenzhen University (SZU), on to him to extend congratulations on his being elected as President of the Republic of Kazakhstan in June of this year. The delegation also collaborated with Guangdong Television (GDTV) Silk Road Stories crew to shoot a TV special featuring Kazakhstan―Alumni from Afar. Prof. Tao Yitao is director of the China Center for Special Economic Zone Research (CCSEZR), SZU - a key research base for humanities and social sciences under the Ministry of Education, president of the Belt and Road Research Institute of SZU and also president of the Belt and Road Research Institute (Shenzhen) for International Cooperation and Development (BRRIICD). The TV special featuring Kazakhstan, Alumni from Afar, is a TV program that features interviews at important places along the ancient Silk Road starting from Kazakhstan, the first country on the way from Europe to China. It tells stories about the friendly ties between young students of China and Kazakhstan against the backdrop of the Honorary Professor of SZU―Mr. Tokayev’s being elected as President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the inauguration of BRRIICD Shakarim University (SU) Branch, in a bid to manifest the commitment of BRRIICD to take social responsibility. The delegation also witnessed a grand inauguration ceremony for the SU Branch of BRRIICD, and had a fruitful discussion with Prof. Meir Yeskendirov, Rector of Shakarim University on the following two aspects: how to deepen collaboration between two universities and two countries through the SU Branch of BRRIICD, especially on cultural exchanges, student exchanges, and talent fostering and education-research-business collaboration; how to use the SU Branch as a bridge to promote the communication and trade between the two business circles, facilitate economic development of two countries and enhance the well-being of the two peoples.
Members of the delegation included Prof. Zheng Qingchuan, Vice President of BRRIICD, Dr. Yang Hanxin, an energy expert and consultant of BRRIICD, Mr. Li Zhuangzhi, associate professor of the College of Art and Design SZU and Secretary-General of BRI League of Artists, Mr. Luo Senbai, Executive President of Laos Branch of BRRIICD, Mr. Wang Xiangrong, President of Leo Group, a world-known pump manufacturer on the list of Top 500 companies in China and Ms. Yuan Xiaoling, Vice President of Langogo, a famous IT company focusing on manufacturing of translation machines. On September 16, the Silk Road Stories crew of Guangdong Radio and Television (GRT) signed a strategic cooperation agreement with BRRIICD. Ms. Xie Yifei, Producer of this program and her crewmen, are also important members of the delegation.
The delegation receives a warm welcome when arriving at the Nur-Sultan Airport
On the morning of Sept. 26, in the company of Rector Meir of Sakarim University, Prof. Tao led the delegation to visit the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (ENU) in Nur-Sultan, the capital of Kazakhstan. The delegation firstly toured the history museum where Kul Tigin Monument is erected. Prof. Tursun, a historian of SU, told the story about this monument made and erected in AD 720 by the order of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang in fluent Chinese, and called it the oldest historical symbol of China-Kazakhstan friendship.
The delegation was greatly impressed by the plentiful historical relics in the museum and the great achievements made by ENU on the research of the ancient history of China. In the meeting, Rector of ENU, Y. B. Sydykov extended a warm welcome to the delegation, introduced the development history and disciplines of ENU and expressed his expectation towards more exchanges and collaboration with SZU in the future. Prof. Tao spoke highly of ENU for its sturdy and in-depth sinological study and for its research findings on the history of central Asia including the history of China and Kazakhstan. Moreover, she gave a basic introduction of SZU, CCSEZR and BRRIICD to ENU leaders. She hoped that SZU can partner with ENU to fully leverage their respective strengths in teaching and disciplines to explore more possibilities for cross-regional cultural exchanges and new model and channel for international talent fostering, under the BRI framework, in a bid to address the needs of economic globalization.
Prof. Tao’s delegation is having a meeting with ENU leaders
The attendees included Prof. Alder Sydykov, Vice-Rector of ENU, Prof. Duken Masmuhan, Director of the Institute of Chinese Studies, and Prof. Yang Lei, Director of the Confucius Institute at ENU. The meeting ended amidst a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Exchange of gifts between delegation and leaders of ENU
After the meeting, Rector of ENU, Y. B. Sydykov accepted an exclusive interview with Silk Road Stories of GDTV. In the interview, while telling the history of China- Kazakhstan friendship, he extended sincere congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China!
Prof. Tao’s delegation visited the Library of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, an important shooting spot for the TV special featuring Kazakhstan ― Alumni from Afar. Completed in 2010, this modern library integrates an international conference center, a youth education center and a patriotism education center. The First President of Kazakhstan, Mr. Nazarbayev who is referred to as the "Father of the Nation" by Kazakhs moved into this library for office after resigning the presidency in March, 2019.
On the second floor lies the patriotic education center where you can find descriptions of the life story of Mr. Nazarbayev, his contributions to Kazakhstan and major events including exchange visits with heads of different states and dignitaries, and various kinds of souvenirs. The "Friendship Medal", awarded by President Xi Jinping to the first President of Kazakhstan, Mr. Nazarbayev at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on April 28, 2019, is also displayed here. Ms. Naila, Executive President of SU Branch of BRRIICD, said to the delegation that patriotic education of youth is crucial and a guarantee of national security. Patriotic education promotes recognition of national identity and underpins national stability. Only with a stable politic situation can we bolster economic development.
Prof. Tao’s delegation visits the patriotic educational center in Kazakhstan
In the library displays the gift presented by Chinese President Xijingping to Mr. Nazarbayev
Prof. Tao and Ms. Xie Yifei, Producer of Alumni from Afar had a discussion and made an interview with Prof. Kassymbekov, Head of Administrative Office of the First President and Chief Librarian of the Library of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Prof. Tao (middle) and Ms. Xie Yifei have an interview with Prof. Kassymbekov
Prof. Kassymbekov expressed sincere thanks to SZU for the letter of congratulations on behalf of President Tokayev and stressed that the president is proud of being both the honorary professor of SZU and the honorary president of SU Branch of BRRIICD. Prof. Kassymbekov said that Kazakhstan and China enjoy a long-standing friendship. After independence, Kazakhstan quickly formed diplomatic relations with China. The first President of Kazakhstan, Mr. Nazarbayev and current President Tokayev both have deep affection and friendship towards China. It’s an honor for Kazakhstan to be chosen for the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) that quickly won the support of President Nazarbayev and positive response from all sectors of society in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan becomes one of the first countries involved in international cooperation of BRI. In addition, President Nursultan Nazarbayev even put forward the "Bright Road" Initiative in response to the BRI. Prof. Kassymbekov congratulated the delegation on the setup of the SU Branch of BRRIICD and hoped that the SU Branch could serve as a bridge for friendship and mutual economic benefits between China and Kazakhstan. Prof. Tao said that Kazakhstan, as a bridge between Asia and Europe, is not only the world's largest landlocked country, but also the hub of economic and cultural exchanges between Asia and Europe. Having a long and close historical and cultural tie with China, Kazakhstan boasts a vast territory, abundant resources, stable social environment and robust economic development. Therefore, to further enhance mutual trust and strengthen collaboration under the BRI framework, both sides need to foster more talent who understand the languages, cultures, history and status quo of two countries. Deepening collaboration between the two countries will not only expand the inland geopolitical reach of Kazakhstan, but also brings more opportunities for mutual benefits between China and neighboring countries. BRRIICD and its SU Branch are duty-bound to shoulder the mission of the times, and to make every endeavor for the friendship and mutual prosperity of the two countries and for the joint building of a community with shared future for mankind.
Prof. Tao and Prof. Kassymbekov exchange books.
President Tao writes a message on the VIP guest book of the Library of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan on invitation.
On that afternoon, under the arrangement of the host country, the delegation visited the Talent Arts Center in Nur-Sultan where Kazakhs from 2 to 80 years old can learn music, dance and singing. The president of the Talent Arts Center arranged a spectacular show featuring ethnic elements of Kazakhstan to welcome Chinese guests. The delegation was deeply impressed by the young cute ballet dancers, beautiful folk songs, classic Dongbula performance, and rough, exuberant Kazakh folk dance.
Prof. Tao’s delegation visits the Talent Arts Center in Nur-Sultan
The delegation, together with the GDTV camera crew, then visited Nazarbayev University (NU) where the camera crew shot the TV special featuring Kazakhstan, Alumni from Afar. As the only free university funded by Kazakh government and a base for training of state elites, NU boasts first-class faculty, all-English teaching environment and extensive collaborations with prominent universities around the world. It gives students from all backgrounds equal opportunities to succeed through personal merits and talents.
Prof. Tao’s delegation visits NU.
On September 7, 2013, President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at NU on invitation and officially proposed the grand initiative of co-building the Silk Road Economic Belt. At the same lecture hall where President Xi made a speech, Prof. Tao introduced to Ms. Xie Yifei, the GDTV producer for Alumni from Afar of Silk Road Stories, the achievements that had been made in the past 6 years out of the alignment of the Silk Road Economic Belt with the Bright Road by China and Kazakhstan by upholding the principle of achieving shared growth through discussion and collaboration within the BRI framework. The road of mutual development paved by the two countries while they promoted the five areas of connectivity in an all-around manner has set a model for the BRI collaboration.
The lecture hall in NU where President Xi officially proposes the Silk Road Economic Belt initiative
On September 28, Prof. Tao and her delegation arrived in Semey in the company of Rector Meir. Students of SU dressed in folk costumes and holding flowers warmly welcomed the guests coming from afar with the noblest traditional etiquette of bread and salt.
Students of SU warmly welcome the delegation at Semey Airport.
Group photo of Prof. Tao (fifth from left) and the delegation, Rector Meir (fourth from left) and President Jordan of Sion Business School, Switzerland (fifth from right) before the main building of SU
On September 29, Prof. Tao led her delegation to officially tour SU, including the Exhibition Hall. They had an in-depth exchange with the deans and professors from 8 schools after hearing the introduction of SU. The unveiling ceremony of the SU Branch of BRRIICD was officially held in the presence of Prof. Jordan of Sion Business School, Switzerland and others.
Prof. Tao and Rector Meir inaugurate the SU Branch of BRRIICD.
The unveiling ceremony of the SU Branch of BRRIICD
President Naila said that the founding of the SU Branch of BRRIICD will underpin more extensive collaborations between universities, industries, and think tanks, as well as university-government and think tank-industry collaborations, which will break new grounds for China-Kazakhstan cultural exchanges and trade. The SU Branch will become a most influential trans-regional talent training base and academic research platform and will act as a bridge for industry-university-research collaborations in Kazakhstan. It will underpin the economic and trade cooperation and mutual development of Kazakhstan and China within the BRI framework. Mr. Luo Senbai extended warm congratulations on its establishment and presented Ms. Naila with souvenirs typical of Laotian culture.
Mr. Luosenbai extends warm congratulations to Ms. Naila, Executive President of the SU Branch of BRRIICD.
At the inauguration ceremony, President Wang Xiangrong of Leo Group and Vice President Ms. Yuan Xiaoling of Langogo respectively signed a cooperation agreement with Rector Meir. Leo Group agrees to offer fund and internship opportunities for the education development and talent fostering of Kazakhstan while the SU Branch of BRRIICD will help Leo Group with its business in Kazakhstan.
President Wang Xiangrong and Rector Meir sign a cooperation agreement
Through cooperation with SU, Langogo expects to add Kazakh to its Langogo AI translators to expand its customer base and exposure in the market of Kazakhstan.
President Yuan Xiaoling and Rector Meir sign a cooperation agreement
The delegation later attended the "Silk Road of Education" sub-forum of the Eurasia Forum of Education Hub and discussed and shared opinions on how to embrace traditional culture into education to promote cultural exchanges, and on education internationalization and modernization. Mr. Jordan introduced the attempts and innovation that Sion Business School had made in business education to keep up with the times. The school weaves real-world economic activities into business education so that students have more chance to directly talk with CEOs in business community, understand existing and future demands and discuss and solve real-world issues. Prof. Tao introduced the development and the key role of SZU in the construction of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone (SEZ). When sharing the successful experience of China’s SEZs, she pointed out that it is of great significance to leverage education to change ideas as ideas can't change the society directly, but they can change people who will eventually change the society. It is the reform of ideas that drives constant innovation and economic growth. Rector Meir said that Kazakhstan is a vital transport hub of the Silk Road of Education as it’s located between Europe and Asia. Investment and talent carry sheer weight in the development of a country. Without talent, we cannot make full use of investments. And the collaborations with SZU and the BRRIICD will help Kazakhstan with international talent fostering. The discussion ended with an ingenious short cartoon in which a tiny sapling grew up slowly to a towering tree, which forebodes the future prosperity of the SU Branch of BRRIICD through the joint efforts of the two countries, the long-lasting friendship between and mutual benefits and prosperity of the same.
On the evening of the same day, the delegation attended a distinctive event celebrating the 85th anniversary of Shakarim University (SU) at the Downtown Square. Students of SU and citizens gathered there to celebrate for the university founded in 1934. Semey, one of Kazakhstan’s oldest and culturally vibrant cities, is located in the hub of the Silk Road, with railways connecting Russia, Kazakhstan and China, and the Eerqisi River which originates from China and runs through to Russia via Kazakhstan. Well-known in East Kazakhstan, SU is one of the largest and oldest multi-disciplinary public universities in the country. Rector Meir Yeskendirov said that SU is willing to get on the “BRI Express” and he hopes the collaboration between SU and SZU will promote exchanges between Semey and Shenzhen, and advance modernization of universities and cities, so as to strengthen the communication and trade between China and Kazakhstan.
Prof. Tao’s delegation attends the 85th anniversary of SU held in the Semey Downtown Square
On September 30, Prof. Tao’s delegation went to Almaty and visited the art exhibition room of Mr. Gali Myrzashev, President of Kazakhstan Animated Film Association. They discussed cultural exchanges within the BRI framework and the use of work of arts to convey the theme of Silk Road. Mr. Gali introduced his new film, Silk Road Legend, to Prof. Tao’s delegation, and it is a story that unravels around the fate of a girl named Silk: A Chinese dragon saves Silk when the silk caravan that she follows is in distress. Then the dragon takes the girl to a mountain and brings her up. Finally, the dragon helps the girl back to her hometown and accomplish her mission…Gali said he hoped this movie would show people the significance of friendship and peace, and how to become friends instead of antagonizing each other. Only by embracing and understanding each other’s culture and respecting each other’s personality can we develop solid friendship. Prof. Tao said friendship, which derives from heart-to-heart communication between the peoples, holds the key to sound state-to-state relations. And heart-to-heart communication is based on mutual understanding, respect, tolerance and support. Inclusive development is of great significance against the backdrop of current international political and social developments. Only by treating each other’s cultural traditions with respect and inclusion and by accepting different cultures with openness and tolerance can we build mutual trust and seek common development and prosperity.
Prof. Tao’s delegation visits the art exhibition room of Gali Myrzashev and has a friendly talk
On October 1, Prof. Tao led her delegation to visit Kazakh National Agrarian University (KazNAU) and attended the international education and cooperation seminar as an integral part of the TV Special Silk Road Stories featuring Kazakhstan, Alumni from Afar.
Prof. Tao’s delegation has a friendly talk with the school leaders of KazNAU
Prof. Espolov, President of KazNAU, extended a warm welcome to Prof. Tao’s delegation. Kazakhstan is a country where agriculture is the major employer for the majority of the population. As the first university in Kazakhstan, KazNAU was one of the key universities of former Soviet Union with a history of 90 years and is now expanding its global footprint. President Espolov expects more collaboration with Chinese universities and research institutions in the fields of agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, meat, milk, soil and water resources. Prof. Tao introduced the characteristics and development milestones of SZU and its significant role in the SEZ construction. She also stressed the importance of fostering innovative capacity and spirit for a city, a nation and a country. The innovative nature of Shenzhen stems from its innovative education and the fostering of innovation spirit.
Prof. Tao presents President Espolov with a book titled Special Economic Zones and China’s Path
While visiting a KazNAU lab, Wang Xiangrong, President of Leo Group, gladly found some Leo-manufactured pumps in the lab.
Prof. Tao’s delegation visits a lab of KazNAU
Based in Shenzhen China with a focus on Asia and an international perspective, BRRIICD is committed to providing intellectual support and lending soft-power resources for China and businesses to implement BRI projects by leveraging its abundant academic resources, talent, extensive network of universities and think thanks in and outside of China, and remarkable influence, sharing its successful experience in China’s “Going Global” strategy and SEZs, and conducting researches on the histories and cultures, politics and economies, systems and laws, customs and beliefs and international relationships of countries on the Belt and Road route. Active involvement of businesses was the highlight of this visit through which LEO Group and Langogo gained deeper insight into the wide network of connections and broad influence of BRRIICD, and better understanding of Kazakhstan. By signing cooperation agreements with Kazakhstan, they were more confident of their future development in this country and hoped to sign up for more similar activities conducted by BRRIICD in countries on the Belt and Road route. President Luo Senbai also had much to say about this visit and he believed BRRIICD is a great platform for international collaborations and development. The cultural exchanges and academic research help BRRIICD easily build trust in the country of interest so as to facilitate the construction and development of industrial parks outside of China.
During the visit, Prof. Tao presented the National Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan (NLRK) and the universities she visited with a new book of her and her team titled Special Economic Zones and China’s Path and published in five languages. As an iconic fruition of Prof. Tao’s team in recent years from the project sponsored by the National Social Science Fund, this book is another achievement of Prof. Tao’s team made by “Telling Good Chinese Stories with China’s Theories” and implementing the “Academics Going Global” strategy. This representative book was not only highly praised by those who receive it, but also a significant practice of offering Chinese solution to development challenges facing emerging market economies. It conveys the remarkable concept of peaceful development and mutual prosperity while interpreting China’s Path.
This 5-day tightly-paced fulfilling visit enhanced mutual understanding, established strategic cooperative relations, and deepened the friendship between China and Kazakhstan, and more importantly it corroborated the theoretical significance and practical value of BRI.
On the morning of October 1, Prof. Tao’s delegation wishes China a thriving and prosperous future in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan.
