Uzbekistan and China intend to deepen their interaction in the fields of hydrometeorology, digital forecasting, and early warning systems for natural hazards. These issues were discussed at the Second Forum on Meteorological Cooperation between China and Central Asia, held in Urumqi from September 21 to 23.
Participants included Farrukh Sattarov, Director of the National Center for Climate Change under the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, and Doniyor Turgunov, Director of the Institute of Hydrometeorological Research. Representatives from meteorological services of Central Asian and Chinese countries, the World Meteorological Organization, as well as scientific institutions and universities, were also present.
Participants focused on developing regional cooperation in hydrometeorology, modernizing observation and early warning systems, data exchange, and applying artificial intelligence and satellite information technologies.
A specific part of the discussions was dedicated to improving the accuracy of forecasts for extreme weather phenomena such as sand and dust storms, droughts, severe heat, heavy precipitation, and floods.
Within the framework of the Central Asian Meteorological Symposium, the Uzbek side presented priority directions for cooperation with China and other countries in the region for the period 2026–2027. One of the key areas was the implementation of modern digital solutions for rapid forecasting of dangerous weather events.
In particular, the parties discussed the possibility of localizing and adapting the Chinese MAZU system in Uzbekistan. This intelligent platform uses artificial intelligence technologies, satellite data, and other meteorological sources to forecast hazardous events and generate early warnings.
The Chinese side presented a plan to implement MAZU in Central Asian countries during 2026–2027. Uzbekistan is considering adapting this platform to national conditions and the needs of hydrometeorological monitoring, with a particular focus on forecasting sand and dust storms, droughts, severe heat, heavy precipitation, and floods.
Following the negotiations, the parties agreed to continue cooperation among specialists from the two countries on the technical adaptation and integration of modern early warning systems. This work plans to assess necessary technical solutions, including server infrastructure, data exchange, and the integration of new tools with the national hydrometeorological system.
The development of agrometeorology will be another area of joint work. The parties plan to study China's experience in crop condition monitoring, assessing thermal and drought stress, irrigation planning, and providing timely warnings about adverse weather conditions.
The use of modern methods for analyzing meteorological and satellite data can contribute to more effective management of agricultural resources and timely decision-making in the context of climate risks.
The forum also paid great attention to scientific cooperation in the field of desert meteorology, sand and dust storms, climate modeling, and disaster forecasting. A working meeting was held with the leadership of the Institute of Desert Meteorology of the China Meteorological Administration. Following the meeting, the parties agreed to consider preparing and implementing joint research projects.
A promising direction is the exchange of scientific knowledge and technologies regarding processes affecting the formation of sand and dust storms, which is a relevant problem for Central Asia.
Another area of cooperation relates to the company ZOGLAB from China, which specializes in equipment for meteorological observations, environmental monitoring, and calibration of measuring instruments. The Chinese side offered to provide Uzbekistan with a sample of measuring equipment for testing and to consider options for equipping the national calibration base with modern measuring instruments, including a mobile calibration laboratory.
It is expected that the development of modern observational infrastructure, digital forecasting tools, and early warning systems will improve the quality of hydrometeorological information and expand Uzbekistan's capabilities for prompt response to natural phenomena and climate risks. The cooperation between Uzbekistan and China in this field aims at developing modern technologies, exchanging experience and data, strengthening scientific and technical potential, and increasing the resilience of Central Asian countries to the consequences of climate change.
