China proposes six platforms for SCO cooperation

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (Front) presides over the 14th prime ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan province, Dec 15, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

ZHENGZHOU - Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday proposed that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) establish six platforms for cooperation in areas including security, production capacity and connectivity.

The other three platforms he mentioned are financial cooperation, regional trade cooperation and cooperation on social affairs and improving people's lives.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, while paying attention to the the three traditional areas of security, economy, and civilian exchanges, should focus on building six platforms of cooperation to push for concrete achievements, Li said while presiding over a meeting of prime ministers from the SCO member states held in the central Chinese city of Zhengzhou.

The SCO should cement the existing security cooperation mechanism, accelerate an agreement on border defense cooperation, move toward an anti-extremism pact and support Afghanistan's national reconciliation process, said Li.

He said the platform could provide a reliable "safe environment" for regional development.

The SCO should establish a production capacity cooperation mechanism under which China is willing to provide SCO members with its mature technology, equipment and contracting services, Li said.

China can also co-build factories to increase local employment opportunities. Such cooperation between China and Kazakhstan has proven fruitful with more than 10 projects already or about to be launched, said Li, adding that China would like to promote such experience to other countries according to their needs.