The city of Qingdao on China’s eastern coast is hosting a major event aimed at strengthening economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties among member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Under the theme “Silk Road Links, SCO Shared Success,” the Global Media Shandong Tour officially kicked off with a grand opening ceremony in Qingdao’s SCO Demonstration Area.
Jointly organized by the Shandong Provincial Department of Commerce, the Administrative Committee of the SCO Demonstration Area, and the Shandong Internet Media Group, the event brings together media representatives from nearly 20 countries. Over three days, participants are exploring the region’s development model and its potential for international cooperation.
Opening Ceremony Highlights Role of Media in Cooperation
The opening ceremony took place at the SCO Pearl International Expo Center. Zhang Qiang, a representative from the Shandong Department of Commerce, emphasized the vital role of media in fostering interaction among SCO countries. “Media plays a strategic role in deepening mutual understanding and enhancing trust between nations,” he said.
During the ceremony, participants watched a promotional video showcasing the development of the SCO Demonstration Area and took part in a symbolic flag presentation ceremony.
On the first day, the media delegation visited national pavilions representing Russia, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia, where they observed cultural elements and locally made products. Journalists also interviewed expo operators and local business representatives.
Journalists also met with executives from the Shanghe Holding Group to learn more about the region’s recent developments in international trade, investment, and infrastructure. The “Silk Road E-Commerce Platform” was particularly highlighted as a key initiative facilitating cross-border trade among SCO countries.
The SCO Demonstration Area in Qingdao is the only national-level platform established by the Chinese government to institutionalize economic and trade cooperation with SCO member states. With numerous projects in logistics, finance, e-commerce, and cultural exchange, the area has become a crucial hub along the New Silk Road.
Opportunities for Türkiye–China Cooperation
The Turkiye Pavilion attracted considerable attention. Turkish products displayed at the booth received positive feedback from Chinese visitors. Head of the Turkish pavilion, noted that “the demand for Turkish goods has significantly increased over the past year and is expected to grow further in the coming years.”
According to SCO experts, the Qingdao SCO Demonstration Area serves as a strategic bridge in the growing economic relationship between Türkiye and China. Türkiye’s Middle Corridor strategy, as part of the Belt and Road Initiative, aligns naturally with this collaboration, while the business-friendly environment in Qingdao offers attractive opportunities for Turkish entrepreneurs.
The region’s advantages in logistics, customs facilitation, tax incentives, and digital infrastructure provide Turkish firms with efficient access not only to the Chinese market but also to other SCO countries. Turkish media representatives attending the event met with Turkish companies operating in the Area and explored potential partnerships in food, textiles, and cross-border e-commerce.
One of the standout initiatives, the Silk Road E-Commerce Platform, is seen as a significant opportunity for Turkish SMEs. The platform enables Turkish products to reach Chinese consumers through digital channels, and Qingdao is expected to play an increasingly central role in Türkiye–China economic relations in the near future.
Keywords
Shanghai Cooperation Organization, SCO Demonstration Area, Qingdao, Global Media Tour, Silk Road, Silk Road E-Commerce Platform, Turkey-China cooperation, Turkish SMEs, Belt and Road Initiative, Middle Corridor, cross-border e-commerce, SCO member states, Qingdao logistics, Qingdao investment, Qingdao trade, Shandong economy, cultural diplomacy, media cooperation SCO, Turkey pavilion Qingdao, Turkish products China, digital trade platform
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The Global Media Tour in Qingdao’s SCO Demonstration Area spotlights Silk Road cooperation, Turkey-China trade opportunities, and the rise of cross-border e-commerce through the Belt and Road Initiative.
