On October 18, in the city of Xi'an, China, the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International Oil and Gas University and four Chinese organizations signed a five-party Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Luban Workshop in Turkmenistan.
The Chinese participants of the Memorandum include Xi'an Petroleum University, Hebei Petroleum University of Technology, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), and the China Education Association for International Exchange.
Speakers at the ceremony expressed confidence that the opening of the Luban Workshop in Turkmenistan will significantly contribute to training of high-level specialists, engineers, and technologists who possess deep knowledge and professional skills in rapidly developing innovative technologies.
It is worth recalling that the initiative to promote the "Luban Workshop" project in Turkmenistan was mentioned in the Joint Statement signed by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping following their talks in Beijing in January 2023.
The signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Luban Workshop in Turkmenistan was a key event during the working visit of the Turkmen delegation to China, led by the rector of the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International Oil and Gas University, which took place from October 16 to 20.
On October 17, Turkmen delegates visiting China to discuss cooperation in science and education visited Xi'an Petroleum University. During the meeting with faculty and students of the Chinese university, the rector of Yagshygeldi Kakayev International Oil and Gas University gave a presentation detailing improvements in the national science and education system, integration of digital technologies into the educational process, as well as the structure, research activities, and achievements of the Turkmen Oil and Gas University. The presentation also covered the development of Turkmenistan's oil and gas industry and strengthening its material and technical base.
During meetings with Chinese colleagues, plans for joint activities under the "Luban Workshop" project were discussed, including training programs, specialist preparation directions, and providing the workshop with necessary equipment.
Luban Workshops are named after the legendary ancient Chinese inventor. According to legend, he crafted many hand tools still used by workers today. The concept of Luban Workshops was developed in Tianjin, China. They train future specialists in fields such as production automation, energy, construction, transportation, communications, IT, and even traditional Chinese medicine.
The Luban Workshop system, which originated in China, has gained popularity worldwide. Such workshops successfully operate in more than twenty countries across Asia, Europe and Africa. Today, Luban Workshops represent a grand project that has created a platform for international exchange and cooperation in science and professional education.
At the end of their working visit to China on October 19, the Turkmen delegation visited China University of Petroleum in Beijing. They were introduced to academic buildings, modern laboratories, scientific and educational activities, training programs and curricula at the university. Guests were given a tour of the university museum showcasing its history and achievements.
Subsequently, there was a meeting between the rector of the Turkmen university and representatives from the faculty of the Chinese university to discuss prospects for expanding activities under the Memorandum of Understanding on science and education between the two universities.
Among the main topics discussed were a draft agreement to establish a Turkmen-Chinese Energy Training Center and a draft charter for an international "Dual Degree" educational program.
