International (Shenzhen-Central Asia) Zero Carbon City Industrial Cooperation Roundtable held in Shenzhen

On November 27, 2023, the International (Shenzhen-Central Asia) Zero Carbon City Industrial Cooperation Roundtable took place in Shenzhen. This event, an integral part of the 2023 Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality Forum and Shenzhen International Low Carbon City Forum, was jointly organized by ICLEI East Asia and the Shenzhen Development Center of International Low Carbon Forum, with significant support from the Nordic International University in Uzbekistan and the Center for Study of International Academic Organizations, Southwest Jiaotong University.  It served as a crucial platform for the exchange of ideas and practices related to climate policy and industry in China and Central Asia, while promoting the bilateral cooperation on zero carbon cities and low-carbon industries to a new level. Around 30 high-level government and business representatives attended the event.

Group photo of roundtable participants

The event was inaugurated by distinguished representatives who shared their insights and aspirations for a greener future. Jing Yu, Deputy Director of Shenzhen Development and Reform Commission, extended a warm welcome to the delegation and highlighted Shenzhen’s pioneering achievements as a low-carbon city. She underscored the importance of international cooperation on low-carbon industries. Shukhrat Otajonov, Head of Department for Development Science and Innovative Activities, Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, shared the country’s commitment to low-carbon transition and expressed interest in collaborating with China on low-carbon technologies and green energy initiatives. Shu Zhu, Regional Director of ICLEI East Asia, conveyed ICLEI’s commitment to supporting ongoing low-carbon cooperation between China and Central Asia to meet climate challenges.

 

Ms. Yu, Deputy Director of the Shenzhen Development and Reform Commission, gives opening remarks

 

 

Mr. Otajonov from Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan delivers remarks

 

Mr. Zhu, Regional Director of ICLEI East Asia, gives remarks and moderates the roundtable

 

During the thematic session, representatives from government and business sectors of China and Uzbekistan presented policies and technologies aimed at developing zero carbon cities. Distinguished speakers included Shijin Liu, Deputy Director of the Economic Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and the Vice Chairman of the China Development Research Foundation; Sanjar Berdiev, Head of Department for Development of Innovative Ecosystem in Industry, Agency for Innovative Development of Uzbekistan; Dong Wang, Dean of Shenzhen Development Center of International Low Carbon Forum; and Shukhrat Djonuzokov, Deputy Mayor of Navoi City. These speakers shared insights into the strategies and requirements for low-carbon development at the national and city levels in their respective countries. Representing the business sector, Chunquan Zhou, Board Member and Vice President of Shenzhen Leo-King Enviro. Group, and Tim Yang, Director of Marketing at UtmoLight Company highlighted China’s technological edge in the low-carbon industry sector.

Following the thematic session, a roundtable discussion convened to explore cooperation opportunities on low-carbon technologies and industries. Senior policymakers from the Uzbek government and Chinese companies outlined their priorities for transitioning to a low-carbon economy and discussed opportunities for future cooperation.

As a key part of this roundtable event, ICLEI East Asia organized a site visit to Shenzhen Leo-King Enviro. Group, where the Uzbekistan delegation gained insights into key technologies related to waste management and bio-fuel production. Afterwards, the delegation engaged in a fruitful meeting with senior management representatives from Leo-King Enviro. Group to discuss potential collaboration opportunities.

 

The Uzbekistan delegation visits the Shenzhen Leo-King Enviro. Group

 

Meeting between the Uzbekistan delegation, ICLEI East Asia, and Leo-King Enviro. Group

 

The successful organization of the International (Shenzhen-Central Asia) Zero Carbon City Industrial Cooperation Roundtable not only marks an important milestone in ICLEI East Asia Secretariat’s efforts to promote climate cooperation between China and Central Asia but also highlights ICLEI’s role in the global effort to address climate change. In the future, ICLEI East Asia will organize various activities, including a China-Uzbekistan low-carbon industry matchmaking meeting in Uzbekistan and capacity building for climate action in Seoul, South Korea, to further promote regional low-carbon development and climate cooperation. We believe these activities will provide strong support for achieving the global goal of carbon neutrality.

 

All photos ©Shenzhen Development Center of International Low Carbon Forum / Shenzhen Leo-King Enviro. Group