Posted on June 2, 2026 by Dong Quanyue|Qingdao Vocational and Technical College of Hotel Management
On June 1, our college held the closing ceremony for the Azerbaijan CASA Cooking Culture Experience Group, marking the successful conclusion of this cross-border culinary and cultural exchange program.
At the ceremony, Diao Hongbin, on behalf of the college, congratulated the Azerbaijani teachers and students on the successful completion of all study tasks and thanked the faculty and students who contributed to the exchange activity.
He pointed out that the program serves as an important milestone in the cooperation between the two institutions. Centering on traditional Chinese food culture and culinary techniques, the program featured a wealth of activities, including professional culinary training, industry visits, in-depth experience of Qingdao’s local culture, as well as calligraphy and intangible cultural heritage workshops.
These activities have facilitated in-depth exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and Azerbaijani teachers and students, promoted integrated cultural communication, and forged profound cross-border friendship.
Diao Hongbin expressed that both sides should take this closing ceremony as a new starting point to deepen practical cooperation. He hoped that foreign participants could refine their professional skills and broaden their international vision to become high-caliber culinary talents.
He also encouraged the visiting teachers and students to act as cultural ambassadors, share their experiences and insights gained in Qingdao, spread traditional Chinese food culture, and tell authentic Chinese stories.
At the scene, he presented certificates and souvenirs to the participants and commented on the culinary works jointly created by Chinese and Azerbaijani students.
Li Ailing, General Manager of the Azerbaijan Center of Culinary Arts (CASA), expressed sincere gratitude to the college for the thoughtful organization and arrangement. She remarked that the immersive experience enabled participants to appreciate the profound charm of Chinese culinary culture and the advanced standards of China’s vocational culinary education. The students improved their professional skills, experienced Qingdao’s unique marine culture and built precious friendships. She looked forward to further cooperation in talent cultivation, teacher exchanges and cultural communication.
The conclusion of the program marks a new starting point for in-depth cooperation in culinary education between China and Azerbaijan. In response to the Belt and Road Initiative, the college will further expand international vocational education exchanges, innovate cooperation models, and build a broader global education network through culinary culture, contributing to mutual learning between civilizations worldwide.
