China-Central Asia cooperation in technical and vocational education and training under the “Belt and Road Initiative”: achievements, challenges, and prospects

This article examines the achievements, current state, and existing challenges in vocational education cooperation between China and Central Asian countries since the introduction of the “Belt and Road Initiative”. Research methods: an analytical review of contemporary scholarly sources, regulatory and methodological documents, and websites, alongside comparison, juxtaposition, synthesis, generalization, and systematization. Results. Vocational education cooperation and exchanges between China and Central Asian countries face certain obstacles. These include: a lack of coordinated management for the export of Chinese vocational education, insufficient coordination of international cooperation policies, a shortage of internationalized teaching staff, insufficient funds for construction and operation, a complex geopolitical environment, and high competition in the vocational education market. In light of the need to enhance the quality and elevate China-Central Asia cooperation to a new level, coupled with the urgent necessity of building a “China-Central Asia community with a shared future”, deepening vocational education cooperation and exchanges at a more profound level and in broader areas has become a common goal and need for both sides. China needs to explore pathways for deepening the high-quality development of vocational education cooperation with Central Asian countries, focusing on aspects such as developing top-level strategies, brand building, integration into the international arena, attracting investment, and deepening the integration of education and industry.