On 4−7 November 2024, SCO Deputy Secretary-General Sohail Khan took part in 7th China International Import Expo and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum in Shanghai.
The event was opened by Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Li Qiang. Also attending the ceremony were the prime ministers of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, as well as representatives of other countries and international organisations.
Speaking at the 17th Belt and Road Eco-Agriculture and Food Safety Forum on 6 November, Deputy Secretary-General Sohail Khan stressed that deepening agricultural cooperation is one of the SCO priorities as defined by its Development Strategy until 2025. He also spoke about the current agreements concerning agriculture, food security, breeding and seed production, and growing cooperation with UN specialised agencies such as FAO and ESCAP. By introducing modern technologies, digital solutions and the latest production methods in agriculture, the SCO member states are making a significant contribution to promoting the smart agriculture concept, Sohail Khan noted. He also emphasised that, guided by the Shanghai Spirit principles, the SCO will further pursue the ongoing effort to bolster global food security and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The participants in the Expo also discussed creating a solid foundation for food safety and moving towards high-quality development of the food industry. They exchanged views on further agricultural and food cooperation in the context of promoting the joint building of the Belt and Road in the interests of their respective nations.