The Shanghai Cooperation Organization will actively engage in the "One Belt, One Road" initiative to enhance its role in regional economic development, said Rashid Alimov, secretary general of the organization, in Shanghai today.
"Apart from encouraging cooperation in regional security, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will also make the expansion of business collaboration another priority of its work," said Rashid during a speech at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, part of the events to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which is the only global organization named after the city.
Rashid said the organization has responded actively to the "One Belt, One Road" initiative, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013 to revive the ancient Silk Road, and will continue to encourage regional economic and cultural exchanges.
In 2014, members of the organization signed an agreement in Dushanbe of Tajikistan to streamline red tape of transporting goods in the region, which was considered a contribution to the initiative.
Established in June, 2001, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has grown from an entity of six member countries, namely, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, to having engagement of 18 countries (including observer countries), while India and Pakistan are now seeking member status in the organization. Altogether, it involves the world's 45 percent population, among which 70 percent are under the age of 50.
"It is no exaggeration to say that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has become one of the world's most lively organizations," Rashid said. "We can play a special role in accelerating the 'One Belt, One Road' initiative."
