On 22 August, the Yagshygeldi Kakayev International University of Oil and Gas, Hebei Petroleum Vocational and Technical University, and Xi'an Shiyou University held a video conference on the ‘Lu Ban Workshop’ project in Turkmenistan. This was reported by the news agency Orient.

The parties discussed the purchase and delivery of equipment, the work plan for the second half of 2025, and agreed to complete the laboratory by September and open the centre by the end of the year.

The rector of the Turkmen university, Bayrammyrat Atamanov, thanked the Chinese partners, and representatives of Chinese universities reported on the purchase and preparation of the first batch of equipment. Experts discussed the reconstruction of geological exploration and information technology laboratories, as well as plans to create a joint ‘One Belt One Road’ laboratory. CNPC will also participate in the project, strengthening the link between education and industry.

‘Lu Ban Workshop’ is an international educational project of China aimed at training skilled personnel and transferring technology. The centre in Turkmenistan will be an important step towards modernising education and introducing advanced technologies.