MOU with Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography

The CAREC Institute and the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 27 May 2020 in Urumqi, Xinjiang, the PRC.

The CAREC Institute is the only international (inter-governmental) organization based in Urumqi – a geostrategic regional hub for CAREC countries – with the mandate of providing research, capacity building, and partnership with CAREC’s knowledge institutions to promote regional cooperation along the Ancient Silk Road.

Dr. Liang Ziqian, Deputy Director One of the CAREC Institute and Dr. Zhang Yuanming, Director of XIEG signed the MOU and delivered opening remarks. They highlighted the importance of working closely for better leverage of efforts in promoting regional cooperation in CAREC based on mutual trust and long-term strategic visions. Particularly, Dr. Liang stated that the CAREC Institute has strong interest to contribute to Xinjiang’s development by providing knowledge support and promoting economic cooperation with CAREC members.

Formalization of a long-term strategic partnership between the CAREC Institute and the XIEG brings various opportunities to the region. Both parties committed to: 1) delivering joint capacity building activities relevant to priority areas of regional cooperation in CAREC; 2) conducting joint research in relevant areas to promote evidence-based policy making in CAREC; and 3) operationalizing an internship program for the XIEG PhD students at the CAREC Institute headquarters to offer them international experience.

The CAREC Institute and XIEG partnership started in October 2019 when they held a joint workshop on “Technology Application for Disaster Risk Reduction in Central Asia” for CAREC participants to gain technical and technological experience through a 10-day experiential learning program.