On November 2, 2026, Almaty hosted the 2nd Tian-Shan Economic Cooperation Forum in Central Asia, focused on reinforcing regional connectivity and attracting sustainable direct investments.
The forum was attended by Meruert Zharmagambetova, Chair of the Board – Rector of ALT University.
The summit convened government delegates, international financial institutions, development banks, and corporate leaders across Central Asia. Agenda priorities centered on modernizing transport and logistics infrastructure, energy networks, bilateral trade, digital inter-connectivity, and investment expansion.
Delegates paid special attention to upgrading international transport corridors, streamlining cross-border customs operations, expanding multimodal freight logistics, and fostering an optimal regional investment climate.
On the sidelines of the forum, ALT University, represented by Rector Meruert Zharmagambetova, and Urumqi Vocational University (UVU, China), represented by President Ge Chenguang, officially signed the Agreement on the Management and Operation of the Industrial Robotics Center at the “Lu Ban Workshop” under the joint “UVU–ALT” framework.
ALT University houses Kazakhstan’s 3rd “Lu Ban Workshop”, specializing in industrial robotics and automation. The Center serves as an advanced educational and R&D hub where students master industrial automation, robotic programming, systems integration, and hands-on maintenance of modern manufacturing equipment.
The executed agreement outlines operational mechanisms for joint governance, expanding modular engineering curricula, and embedding industry-4.0 technologies directly into academic tracks.
Urumqi Vocational University remains a key strategic partner for ALT University. Over recent years, both institutions have systematically built collaborative educational initiatives, deepened scientific exchange, and driven joint engineering developments.
The signing of this operational agreement marks another significant milestone in this international partnership. It accelerates practice-oriented engineering education, facilitates technical knowledge transfer, and expands faculty-student mobility between Kazakhstan and China.
Expanding international partnerships with global technology and educational leaders remains a core strategic vector for ALT University, cultivating a new generation of technical specialists prepared to navigate industrial digitalization.
Author: Aliya Yerlan
