Sun Yat-sen University has opened a research institute in Altay prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, aiming to help raise the standard of higher education in the northwestern region of China.

The institute, unveiled on Saturday, was jointly established by Altay prefecture, Guangzhou-based Sun Yat-sen University and Xinjiang University of Finance and Economics. It will promote the implementation and transformation of innovative achievements, providing intellectual support for Xinjiang's tourism, ice and snow industries, and the Belt and Road Initiative, said Gao Song, president of Sun Yat-sen University.

"The institute will help promote the high-quality development of industries in Altay prefecture and across the Xinjiang region," said Gao, who is also an academician with the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Zhu Kongjun, Party secretary of Sun Yat-sen University, said the institute reflects the deep friendship between the university and Xinjiang.

"The establishment of the institute will further deepen cooperation and inject new vitality into the economic and social development of Xinjiang," Zhu said.

Sun Yat-sen University has long supported Xinjiang's development through medical, educational and tourism assistance, while implementing major national strategies, according to Zhu.

The institute will focus on national strategic priorities and the needs of Xinjiang's development. Based in Altay, it will serve the entire region, contribute to national development, and connect with Eurasian countries to advance cooperation among government, industry, academia and research sectors.