**Shanghai Cooperation Organization Launches New Era of Trade and Economic Cooperation at Qingdao Conference**
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) marked a significant step forward in regional economic collaboration at the opening ceremony of the Conference on Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation between China and SCO countries in Qingdao. The event brought together top officials, diplomats, and business leaders from across the SCO community, highlighting the organization’s commitment to expanding trade, innovation, and people-to-people ties.
Hosted by the People’s Government of Shandong Province and inaugurated by Governor Zhou Naixiang, the conference showcased the growing role of Qingdao as a hub for regional partnership. SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev addressed participants, outlining current priorities, achievements, and ambitious plans for enhancing trade and economic links among SCO member states. He underlined the potential to drive further growth by leveraging resources such as pilot zones, cross-border cooperation centers, logistics hubs, exhibition venues, and non-governmental partnership platforms.
Yermekbayev praised the contributions of the China-SCO Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Demonstration Zone in Qingdao. He noted that this platform is instrumental in strengthening practical cooperation, fostering interregional business relations, and deepening the bonds between SCO countries.
The conference attracted prominent attendees, including heads of diplomatic missions, officials from local governments, and representatives from legislative, academic, and business communities of Belarus, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Cambodia, and other SCO member and partner states.
A key highlight was the announcement by the People’s Government of Shandong Province of the “Qingdao Initiative,” a new proposal aimed at reinforcing regional trade and economic cooperation among SCO countries.
On the sidelines of the conference, Secretary General Yermekbayev also participated in the launch ceremony of the Chinese stage of the Global Arabian Horse Cup. This event, organized by the Chinese Equestrian Industry Association in partnership with the United Arab Emirates, was held at the China-SCO Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Demonstration Zone, reflecting the broadening scope of cooperative projects in the region.
In addition, Yermekbayev presented certificates to young participants of the “Young Rescuer” youth summer camp, jointly organized by the China-SCO Demonstration Zone and the China-SCO Center for Cooperation in Emergency Medicine, underscoring a growing focus on youth engagement and disaster response collaboration.
During his visit, the Secretary General also engaged with local media, offering insights into the outcomes of the conference, the dynamic socio-economic growth of Shandong Province and Qingdao, and the increasingly pivotal role the region plays in interregional cooperation within the SCO framework.
