The event “Export to China – SCO Choice” was held at the China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Pilot Zone, BelTA reported citing the headquarters of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
A delegation from the Secretariat of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, led by Deputy Secretary General Batir Tursunov, visited Qingdao in China's Shandong province on 30-31 March to participate in this event. The meeting was attended by representatives of SCO member states, regional leaders, and representatives of government agencies and leading commercial associations of the SCO. The program included a meeting between the leadership of Shandong Province and the heads of delegations. Deputy Governor of Shandong Province Wen Nuan emphasized that the development of trade and economic ties is a key factor for sustainable development and strengthening cooperation within the SCO space. It was noted that Shandong Province attach great attention to supporting imports, implementing logistics programs, and creating conditions for goods from the SCO countries to enter the Chinese market. Practical measures proposed include developing direct procurement channels, expanding the presence of national goods through digital platforms, and leveraging the potential of the pilot zone in Qingdao as a platform for business partnership.
In his remarks Batir Tursunov highlighted the importance of the pilot zone’s role in implementing the SCO Development Strategy until 2035. He paid particular attention to the “SCO Choice” initiative as a mechanism for promoting high-quality products, simplifying trade procedures, and building sustainable supply chains.
He stressed that against the backdrop of global economic challenges, the active engagement of regions in cooperation processes becomes even more important. In this regard, the SCO will continue to provide comprehensive support to initiatives aimed at diversifying exports and strengthening the economic foundation of the Organization. In the outcomes of the event it was noted that harnessing the potential of the Pilot Zone in Qingdao will contribute to stability and prosperity in the SCO region.
The construction of the China-SCO Pilot Zone in Qingdao was officially endorsed by Chinese President Xi Jinping on 10 June 2018, at the 18th meeting of the SCO summit. This pilot zone carries great political significance and is intended to create a new platform for international cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road initiative, of which the Republic of Belarus is an active participant. The zone has regional advantages as a hub of an integrated maritime, land, air, and rail transport system and is ready to take an active part in implementing a Eurasian integrated agricultural project. Its favorable geographic location and developed infrastructure make it possible to significantly expand cooperation in international logistics, trade, investment, business tourism, and cultural links.
Earlier, the broad opportunities and advantages of this platform, including in the areas of cross-border e-commerce, legal consulting, and information exchange, were presented at a briefing in Minsk by Zhang Xinzhu, Secretary of the Party Work Committee of the China-SCO Pilot Zone. He particularly emphasized the interest in developing cooperation with the Belarusian side and the mutual commitment of Belarus and China to strengthening trade and economic ties.
According to expert assessments, the China-SCO Pilot Zone is important for Belarus as a bridge for further deepening cooperation with SCO countries. The advantages of this zone have already been noticed by the Great Stone Industrial Park, whose companies are establishing cooperation in trade, investment, logistics, and other sectors.