Sixteen endoscopists from six countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative began a five-day intensive training program in Beijing on Monday to advance their endoscopic skills.

The event, known as the 7th Belt and Road International Advanced GI Endoscopology Seminar, is jointly hosted by the Beijing Friendship Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University, the National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and domestic medical equipment manufacturer SonoScape, headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong province.

Launched in 2016, this year marks the seventh edition of the training initiative, which brings together medical professionals from Iran, Egypt, Russia, Portugal, Thailand and the Philippines.

Zhang Shutian, president of the hospital, explained that foreign trainees will progress from computer simulations and mechanical models to animal-based practice and clinical training.

"Each workshop edition accepts no more than 20 international medical professionals to ensure hands-on experience for every participant," he said. "Our aim is to help junior endoscopists achieve proficiency in gastrointestinal endoscopy, while experienced practitioners refine and standardize their techniques."

Li Peng, vice president of the hospital, said that over the past decade, the training programs have cultivated more than 100 medical professionals from over 10 countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.

"Moving forward, the hospital will focus on strengthening foundational and standardized training while integrating cutting-edge technologies in digestive endoscopy," Li said.