SCO Secretariat takes part in Tuole Forum

On October 15, 2019, the Tuole Forum, Integrating into 'Belt and Road' Construction and Sharing Benefits of an Open World Economy, opened in Panzhou city, Guizhou Province.

The Forum was organised by the People's Government of Guizhou Province and the China Overseas Development Association.

The event brought together politicians as well as business, culture, education and science representatives from the states of Central Asia, South America, Europe, Africa and ASEAN.

The participants discussed the development of bilateral and multilateral relations, the coordination and implementation of trade and investment projects through ASEAN and the Belt and Road initiative.

In his opening remarks, SCO Secretary General Vladimir Norov noted that "it is deeply symbolic that this event is being held on the 70th anniversary of the PRC, a state that has achieved so much over the years and continues to be greatly successful."

Mr Norov also pointed out the intensification of cooperation on building transport networks: "The SCO member states are involved in the formation of international transport corridors such as North-South and East-West — important transit routes between Europe, the Caspian basin, the Gulf, Central, South and Southeast Asia. The importance of such economic corridors, including the proposed Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan-China railway line, is difficult to overestimate.

The implementation of these projects will contribute to regional transport connectivity and give a boost to mutual trade. It is important to involve Afghanistan in forming regional transport routes; this should be a contributing factor to that country's stabilisation and economic development, and ensure cargo transit to seaports," he noted.

In this context, Mr Norov emphasised that the most important aspects in the efficient use of transit opportunities the SCO is addressing include removing various barriers, creating the necessary institutional framework for connecting infrastructure projects between the SCO member states, the Caspian countries and other regions in Eurasia with the aim of promoting economic and social progress.

During the panel discussions, the forum participants were informed about the international legal aspects of the activities and trade and economic parameters of the cooperation between the SCO member states, as well as the integration prospects of

the SCO's trade and economic partnership with ASEAN countries.