On May 16, the Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) in collaboration with the Institute of International Politics and Economics of Serbia jointly convened an international workshop titled “Serbian and Uzbekistani Experience in Cooperation with China within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)”.

The event brought together scholars and young researchers from both sides and beyond to explore the comparative experiences of Serbia and Uzbekistan in their engagement with China under the BRI framework. The workshop served as a platform for substantive discussions on how both countries navigate the complex geopolitical and economic landscape shaped by China’s flagship global infrastructure and connectivity initiative.

Participants from IAIS included Dr. Abbos Bobokhonov, Hamza Boltaev, and Dr. Islomkhon Gafarov, along with a group of the Institute’s Volunteers. In his presentation, Dr. Bobokhonov offered an in-depth analysis of China-Central Asia relations, highlighting the growing importance of strategic connectivity, energy cooperation, and evolving security dynamics across the region.

Hamza Boltaev’s remarks focused on the broader objectives of the BRI and its implications for regional development and integration. He underscored how the initiative serves as a vehicle for economic modernisation and infrastructural investment in developing economies, while also raising questions about debt sustainability and strategic dependence.

Dr. Gafarov examined the parallel trajectories of Serbia and Uzbekistan in their cooperation with China, pointing to shared interests in infrastructure, technology, and industrial development. He also outlined several promising avenues for trilateral collaboration between Serbia, Uzbekistan, and China, especially in the domains of transport, education, and digitalisation.

The workshop concluded with a lively Q&A session, reflecting strong interest among participants in deepening academic cooperation and mutual understanding. The event marked an important step toward enhancing dialogue between Serbian and Uzbekistani research institutions on global development initiatives such as the BRI.