On 12 May 2019, SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov had a meeting with Hu Heping, Secretary of the Communist Party of China's Shaanxi Provincial Committee, in Xi'an.
During the talks with the SCO Secretariat delegation, Hu Heping spoke about the province's socioeconomic development during the past years. In 2018, Shaanxi's GDP grew by 8.3 percent. The Chinese official stressed the importance of expanding trade cooperation between Shaanxi and the SCO member states. The province's rich historical heritage and convenient geographical location create favourable conditions for advancing trade cooperation along the Chang'an train route. It was also noted that more than 1,200 trips to various destinations were made last year alone.
Hu Heping proposed making active use of the province's tourist potential for attracting visitors from the SCO member states. He also pointed out that Shaanxi has an abundance of landmarks and boasts many historical as well as cultural advantages. Therefore, it appears reasonable to increase the number of flights from SCO states to Xi'an.
The province's administration also proposed to collaborate in exploring additional opportunities for cooperation in the field of agriculture, including by establishing business links with Yanling, the pilot agricultural zone in Shaanxi.
SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov thanked the province senior officials for their hospitality and noted the significance of the 4th Silk Road International Expo that opened on 11 May. Mr Norov agreed with the province representatives that it is important to expand mutual trade between Shaanxi and the SCO countries, including by using Xi'an's transit and logistics potential.
In conclusion, Hu Heping assured Vladimir Norov that the competent provincial agencies will take the necessary measures to implement the proposals and initiatives discussed during the meeting.