Since its establishment, the institute has hosted 294 training sessions attended by over 20,000 participants from 84 countries, including SCO members and countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, said Zheng Shi, director of the institute.

In partnership with more than 30 overseas institutions and over 30 domestic universities and research centers, the institute focuses on cultivating innovative, practical talent well-versed in SCO nations' economies and international business norms, said Zheng.

Skomarov Stepan, a 20-year-old Russian studying Chinese at the institute, said he was impressed by its dynamic activities, from corporate visits to cultural workshops.

"I hope to apply what I've learned to cultural exchange — perhaps as a translator in the future," he said.