Chinese PM makes 6-point proposal on SCO cooperation

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang made a six-point proposal on deepening practical cooperation among the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries in a speech at the 12th SCO prime ministers' meeting here Friday. First, deepening security cooperation. Fighting terrorist activities is in line with the common interests of the SCO member countries and is their common responsibilities as well, said Li. He noted that cracking down on terrorist activities and drug trafficking should be regarded as the major areas for cooperation among SCO countries, adding that the SCO's anti-terror organization should be given anti-drug function as well, so as to enhance comprehensive security-safeguarding capabilities. Second, speeding up road interconnectivity. Considering all the SCO member countries are at the "Silk Road Economic Belt", Li hoped that they could sign an inter-governmental agreement on international road transport facilitation at an earlier date, and vigorously participate in the construction of the new Eurasian Continental Bridge and the Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe railway. In a bid to ensure smoother traffic flow from east to west, China is willing to provide support in technology, equipment and financing, Li said. Third, promoting trade and investment facilitation. Li proposed to simplify procedures for customs clearance, lower tariffs and eliminate trade barriers and to enhance cooperation in producing and processing agriculture and livestock products. China is willing to provide logistics and warehouse service at Lianyungang city, the east end of the Eurasian Continental Bridge, he said. Four, strengthening financial cooperation. Efforts should be made to promote the establishment of an SCO development bank, so as to provide financing support for the interconnectivity and industrial cooperation among SCO member countries. China is willing to establish a foundation for China- Eurasian economic cooperation which will welcome the participation of Asian and European countries including SCO member countries, observer countries and dialogue partners. Five, promoting cooperation in ecological protection and energy. The Chinese premier proposed to jointly stipulate environmental protection cooperation strategies and establish an information-sharing platform in this regard. Li suggested to improve energy cooperation mechanism, deepen cooperation in energy production, transportation and processing and launch cooperation in new energy areas such as nuclear electricity. Six, expanding culture and people-to-people exchanges. He proposed to respect cultural diversity, enhance mutual understanding among people of different countries, adding that China is willing to increase the number of scholarships for students from SCO member countries. He hoped that the cooperation in tourism could be strengthened. While briefing the meeting on China's economic situation, Li said via innovating economic macro-control methods, simplifying administrative procedures, stimulating market's vitality and encouraging private investment, China's economy has seen steady development despite the pressure of an economic downturn. He also said China is well on its way to accomplish this year's major economic and social development goals. Li pointed out that the important policies on comprehensively deepening reform made by the Third Plenary Session of the 18th Communist Party of China Central Committee will help sustain a healthy economic growth over the long-run. At Friday's meeting, the heads of governments of the SCO member countries and representatives of the observers and dialogue partners agreed the "six-point proposal," and spoke highly of the important role China has played in promoting cooperation among the SCO countries and the SCO self-building. All the countries agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation among SCO members, strengthen regional interconnectivity, and deepen practical cooperation in trade, energy and finance. They also agreed to intensify cultural and people-to-people exchanges, jointly deal with security challenges, and safeguard regional peace and stability and promote common development.