Chinese Premier Li Qiang Urges SCO Nations to Curb Trade Barriers in Dushanbe

Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries on Tuesday to simplify trade and investment procedures and prevent trade barriers. Sputnik reported that he spoke at a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the SCO in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, and said the aim was to ensure stable and uninterrupted supply chains.

What happened?

Li addressed the 25th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of SCO member states in Dushanbe, according to CGTN. CGTN and People's Daily Online, which carried a Xinhua report, both said he told the meeting the SCO should strive to promote regional stability and prosperity while contributing to common development worldwide.

UA.NEWS, citing Anadolu Agency, reported that participants signed and released a joint communiqué after the meeting. They also approved documents on cooperation in trade, investment, industry and transport connectivity, UA.NEWS said.

What did Li say about trade?

Sputnik quoted the premier as saying: "In this regard, it is necessary to simplify procedures for trade and investment and prevent the erection of trade barriers in order to ensure stable and uninterrupted global supply and production chains," the Chinese premier said at the meeting. Sputnik also reported that he called for stronger trade and economic cooperation among SCO members irrespective of differences in resource potential.

Sputnik quoted him further: "Each country has its own strengths and weaknesses in terms of resources, equipment and other areas. It is not an obstacle for cooperation, but an advantage. The SCO should further facilitate regional economic integration," the premier said.

CGTN and People's Daily Online reported that Li said the SCO should strengthen economic and trade cooperation and promote regional economic integration by leveraging the complementary strengths of its members. He also called for a stable and resilient system of international transport corridors and for safeguarding the stability and smooth functioning of global industrial and supply chains, the two outlets said. UA.NEWS, citing Anadolu, gave a similar account of his call to deepen trade ties.

What else did he say?

CGTN and People's Daily Online reported that Li said factors contributing to global instability and uncertainty continue to increase, while multipolarity and economic globalization remain the prevailing trends. He said China was ready to work with all parties to complete, as soon as possible, the institutional frameworks and rules for the four security centers.

According to CGTN and People's Daily Online, Li also said China was willing to sponsor 1,000 medical professionals from SCO countries to come to China for further training. Both outlets said participants noted that the SCO had grown steadily and gained increasing international influence since its establishment 25 years ago.

Who is involved?

Sputnik described the SCO as an international organization established in 2001. It listed the full members as China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus.

Sputnik said the partner countries include Azerbaijan, Armenia, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Cambodia, Egypt, Kuwait, Laos, the Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. UA.NEWS also put the number of members at 10.