Nation firm on collaboration with SCO members

China is committed to working with other member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to enhance cooperation through institutional mechanisms, policy exchanges and practical collaboration in digital, artificial intelligence and information communication technology, the country's top industry regulator said.

Xiong Jijun, vice-minister of industry and information technology, said promoting sustainable development and accelerating modernization are shared goals among SCO member states.

China is actively embracing digitalization, networking and intelligent development, which accelerates the integration of the digital and real economies, and forge a unique path where digital transformation empowers sustainable growth, Xiong said.

More efforts will be made to foster industrial transformation, share digital dividends, and build a more equitable, inclusive and beneficial digital world for the SCO community, he added.

Xiong made the remarks at the 4th Meeting of Heads of Ministries and Agencies of SCO Member States Responsible for the Development of Information and Communication Technologies held in Karamay, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on Tuesday.

At the meeting, member states adopted a digital transformation action plan for SCO members, which outlines key cooperation areas, including policy alignment, advanced technology exchange and digital infrastructure development.

According to the plan, member states agreed to strengthen strategic communication on digital transformation, share best practices and create favorable conditions for digital development. Meanwhile, they will collaborate on next-generation information communication technology, backbone networks, data centers, and digital public infrastructure to enhance regional digital capabilities.

AI, big data, cloud computing, and smart city technologies will be promoted, with efforts to facilitate cross-border e-certification and data governance, the plan added.

Wang Zhiqin, vice-president of the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, said SCO members share common goals in infrastructure, connectivity and innovation, although they vary in digital development levels.

"The plan focuses on policy synergy, technical cooperation and talent development to foster co-creation, mutual benefits, and a robust digital ecosystem. This will amplify the impact of digital transformation, boost sustainable growth and contribute 'SCO solutions' to global digital governance," Wang added.

According to her, the plan will generate multifaceted benefits for member states, including technological advancement, resource sharing, and cost reduction. By deepening collaboration, the initiative will further consolidate strategic partnerships among SCO members and drive high-quality development of the regional digital economy.

Zhang Hongping, chairman of Asia-Europe Exchange, said: "We have signed agreements with exchanges and relevant regulatory bodies in Uzbekistan, Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, promoting cooperation in areas such as information sharing, standard recognition, and cross-border digital trade services.

"Leveraging the Digital Technology Platform for SCO Countries and Karamay's investment attraction policies, cloud computing hub, and international network infrastructure, we aim to establish an SCO commodity exchange research and development center, expanding international digital trade networks."

Yang Zu contributed to this story.