BYD Central Asia organized the international event titled THE SECOND SILK ROAD – Civilization in Motion in Samarkand on July 9–10. The event focused on the fusion of the history of the Great Silk Road, advanced technologies, and sustainable development concepts.
The event coincided with the passage of the international expedition The Marco Polo Drive, which demonstrates the potential of new energy mobility along the route connecting Europe and Asia. Over two days, Samarkand served as a platform for international exchange of views, where participants from the business community, experts, and the automotive industry discussed the prospects of eco-friendly transport and the latest trends in mobility.
The BYD Beni Motors Samarkand dealership center and its surrounding area were transformed into a major attraction for citizens, guests, representatives of state bodies, diplomatic missions, company partners, media, bloggers, and expedition participants. Visitors were able to examine the current BYD model range, take part in test drives, attend a special exhibition, use zones for interaction with brand specialists, and enjoy entertainment programs.
A significant moment was the cultural forum and official meeting held at the BYD Beni Motors Samarkand showroom. It featured Ivan Cao, Regional Managing Director of BYD Group for Central Asia and the Caucasus, Patrick June, co-founder of The Marco Polo Drive project, and Davlatbek Rakhimov, founder of Beni Motors. Expedition participants, traveling along the historic route from Rome to Hong Kong, discussed the development of transport using alternative energy sources, the necessity of strengthening international cooperation, and the role of modern technologies in creating sustainable transport infrastructure in Central Asia.
In addition to learning about BYD technologies, test drives, and consultations, guests showed significant interest in interactive activities, quizzes, and prize giveaways. The culmination of each day was the BYD × Silk Road Night evening program, which combined a modern multimedia show, performances by famous artists, and the creation of an atmosphere of a grand city celebration. This evening segment provided a vibrant conclusion to the busy business and exhibition part of the event.
Holding THE SECOND SILK ROAD – Civilization in Motion highlighted the milestone importance for the further promotion of the BYD brand in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. The international event provided a platform for open dialogue between business, international partners, and the general public, demonstrating the company's commitment to developing modern technologies, supporting global cooperation, and popularizing transport powered by new energy sources in the region.
The international expedition titled 'The Marco Polo Drive of Peace,' which exclusively uses modern electric and hybrid vehicles, has officially entered the territory of Uzbekistan.
This large-scale project combines ideas of sustainable mobility and intercultural exchange while promoting the historical heritage of the ancient Silk Road. The total length of the journey is 15,000 kilometers, and the 43-day trans-Eurasian route started in Rome, Italy, with completion planned in Hong Kong. The inclusion of Uzbekistan as a key segment emphasizes the country's historical significance as a vital crossroads of ancient civilizations and a central hub of the Silk Road network.
During the stage in Uzbekistan, participants plan to visit cities such as Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva, and Nukus. They will also pass through the Aral Sea region, the city of Muynak, and the Kyzylkum Desert. The detailed travel plan is designed to introduce travelers to the country's outstanding architectural monuments, deep national traditions, unique natural landscapes, and rapidly developing tourism infrastructure.
The international composition of participants adds further global resonance to the project. The team of drivers includes renowned scientists and experts on sustainable development, including the world-famous economist Professor Jeffrey Sachs, as well as foreign media representatives who are documenting the trip to highlight Uzbekistan's vast tourism potential to a global audience.
It is expected that materials related to the trip, including reports and travelogues, will significantly improve the republic's international image, attracting the attention of new consumer markets and increasing the flow of foreign tourists. Furthermore, the expedition serves as a living practical demonstration of the feasibility of green ecotourism and long-distance travel on electric vehicles across multinational corridors. Organizers assert that the project proves Uzbekistan's significant readiness not only for traditional cultural and educational tourism but also for high-potential areas such as road trips, adventure tourism, and ecological expeditions. The implementation of such large international initiatives contributes to the global promotion of Uzbekistan's tourism brand, expands practical cooperation with foreign partners, and accelerates the development of new tourism products that meet the growing global demand for eco-friendly and thematic routes.
