20.10.2021 / Opening of Luban Workshop at the Agricultural University in Plovdiv
On October 15th, 2021 at the Agricultural University – Plovdiv was held the Official Ceremony for opening of Luban Workshop – a joint Bulgarian-Chinese project aimed at encouraging cooperation between universities and agricultural businesses between China and Central and Eastern Europe countries.
The event is part of the “One Belt, One Road” initiative to intensify international cooperation in the field of agriculture, the discovery and promotion of talents.
A modern base for professional and practical training has been built at the Agricultural University, curricula with innovative content have been developed, and textbooks have been provided.
The opening was held synchronously in Bulgaria and China through a direct online connection.
Prof. Dr. Hristo Bozukov – Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry of the Republic of Bulgaria gave a video greeting to the participants. During the official event addresses have been given by Prof. Dr. Hristina Yancheva, Rector of the Agricultural University of Plovdiv, H.E. Mr. Dong Xiaojun – Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Sofia and Mr. Velichko Rodopski, Deputy Mayor of Plovdiv Municipality.
In his video greeting, Prof. Dr. Hristo Bozukov said that this project provides modern technical and vocational education, encourages education reforms and strengthens cooperation between vocational schools worldwide.
The Rector of the Agricultural University Prof. Dr. Hristina Yancheva stressed that the Chinese side is interested in organic apple growing, having a funded project in that direction.
Dr. Momchil Stanishev, Director of the Association for the Promotion of Agricultural Cooperation between China and the Central and Eastern European countries, also took part in the opening event of the Luban Workshop. In an interview with Radio Plovdiv, he stressed that Bulgaria is actively cooperating with China to implement the “One Belt, One Road” Initiative and the Initiative Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern Europe countries. A good example in that regard is the APACCCEEC project – “17+1 Demonstration Agricultural Cooperation Zone between China and the CEE Countries”, which is a new development method for agricultural technology cooperation between China and regional partners and plays a very important role in promoting the development of agriculture. In addition, Dr. Stanishev expressed the readiness of APACCCEEC to support dialogue and cooperation with the partners in the Luban Workshop project.
Among the guests were representatives of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria, students and media.
