The Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Nurlan Ermekbayev, attended the opening ceremony of a major Conference on Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation between China and SCO member countries in Qingdao, hosted by the People’s Government of Shandong Province. The event brought together senior officials, diplomats, and business representatives from across the SCO, with a focus on expanding economic collaboration and leveraging new tools for regional development.
The conference took place at the Pearl of the SCO International Exhibition Center and was formally opened by Zhou Naixiang, Governor of Shandong Province. In his welcome address, Secretary-General Ermekbayev outlined the current priorities, achievements, and future plans for enhancing trade and economic ties within the SCO framework. He emphasized the organization’s commitment to unlocking its vast economic potential by making use of pilot zones, cross-border cooperation centers, transport and logistics hubs, trade exhibitions, and non-governmental platforms.
A particular highlight was the role of the Demonstration Zone of Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation China-SCO in Qingdao, which Ermekbayev praised for fostering practical cooperation and strengthening business and interregional connections among SCO member states. The event was attended by a wide array of dignitaries, including diplomats, government officials, business leaders, and experts from Belarus, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Cambodia, and other SCO partners.
During the proceedings, the Shandong provincial government formally announced the “Qingdao Initiative to Strengthen Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Between SCO Countries,” signaling a commitment to deepen economic engagement and facilitate cross-border partnerships.
On the sidelines of the conference, Secretary-General Ermekbayev also participated in the launch ceremony of the Chinese stage of the Global Cup of Arabian Horses. This event, organized by the China Horse Industry Association alongside partners from the United Arab Emirates, was held within the Demonstration Zone and showcased the growing scope of international cooperation under the SCO umbrella.
Further, Ermekbayev awarded certificates to participants of the “Young Rescuer” Youth Summer Camp, a program jointly organized by the Demonstration Zone and the China-SCO Center for Cooperation in Emergency Medicine, reflecting the organization’s efforts in fostering youth development and collaboration in emergency response.
While in Qingdao, the Secretary-General engaged with local media to share his impressions of the conference, and discussed the socio-economic progress of Shandong Province and Qingdao city, underscoring the region’s pivotal role in fostering interregional cooperation among SCO nations.
