On 27 March, 2025, a delegation from the city of Nukus, Republic of Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan, visited the Urban Planning and Design Institute of Shenzhen (UPDIS). The delegation, comprising government officials and corporate leaders, was led by Mayor Mr. Zaitov Ziyautdin Imamaddinovich, and Deputy Mayor Mr. Saypov Batirbay Kuanyshbekuly, with the primary objective of learning Shenzhen’s experience in Special Economic Zone development. In 2019, Nukus established its Free Economic Zone, which is aimed to attract investment via industrial development to drive economic growth and urban construction.
 

During the meeting, UPDIS provided an overview of Shenzhen’s urban planning and development over the past four decades, and highlighted our innovative practices in industrial park development, smart cities, and other cutting-edge urban initiatives. Both parties also discussed sustainable urban solutions in the context of Central Asian cities, including environmental protection, water resource management, renewable energy development, and green building technologies.
 

UPDIS Chief Planner, Mr. Li Qijun, emphasised that based on our extensive experience in Xinjiang and other regions, UPDIS has developed strong professional foundation in urban planning and water management for semi-arid regions. Recently, we have also engaged in multiple technical exchanges with Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, and would look forward to deeper collaboration with Uzbekistan in related areas. Mayor Zaitov commended on Shenzhen’s remarkable urban development and achievements, and the Nukus government looks forward to further exchanges with UPDIS.