Erkinjon Oqbutayevich Turdimov presents the honor to Zhuang Zhe. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Zhuang Zhe, an official from Fujian province serving as an investment development adviser to Uzbekistan's Syrdarya region, has received a state honor for his work promoting economic and investment cooperation.

Fujian Governor Zhao Long led a delegation to Uzbekistan in May 2025, where he reached an agreement with Erkinjon Oqbutayevich Turdimov, khokim (governor) of Syrdarya region, to send a Fujian official to serve as an investment development adviser to the region. Zhuang, an official from Xiamen ITG Group, took up the post in December.

As Uzbekistan marks the 35th anniversary of its independence this year, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev decided to award honors to foreign nationals who have made outstanding contributions to the country's economic development and international cooperation. Turdimov presented the honor to Zhuang.

The award recognizes Zhuang's work as an adviser to the Syrdarya regional government and Uzbekistan's recognition of Fujian's support for the region's economic and social development.

Under the Belt and Road Initiative, Fujian and Syrdarya have expanded cooperation since Zhao's visit. The two sides have reached agreements in industrial park development, steel and metallurgy, food processing, textiles and light manufacturing, and infrastructure.

As new projects arrive and production capacity increases, the industrial output of Fujian companies operating in Syrdarya is expected to rise significantly over the next year, becoming a key driver of growth among Chinese-invested businesses in the region.