QINGDAO -- The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Wednesday established its first standardization cooperation mechanism during a meeting in Qingdao City, east China's Shandong Province.

At the inaugural SCO Standardization Cooperation Meeting, the Qingdao Initiative on Strengthening Standardization Cooperation was adopted, creating an institutional framework to coordinate technical standards among the SCO member countries. The move also marks a significant step in facilitating closer economic integration among SCO member countries through aligned technical regulations.
"For the first time, we have promoted the establishment of technical standards cooperation task forces in key sectors, facilitating collaboration among member states on standards in key areas like artificial intelligence and the low-altitude economy. This will enhance alignment of standards among the member states, reduce technical trade barriers, promote the flow of goods and services, and improve regional trade facilitation. By developing standards in fields like green energy and the digital economy, we can boost trade in related industries and strengthen economic cooperation among member states," said Guo Chenguang, deputy director of the Department of Standards Innovative Management of the State Administration for Market Regulation.
The new mechanism is expected to streamline infrastructure standards in transportation and logistics, creating higher-level connectivity networks across the SCO region. Unified standards for transport equipment and logistics operations will significantly improve cross-border transportation efficiency.
"Through standardization cooperation, SCO member states will amplify their collective voice in international standard-setting. This will enhance the organization's influence in global economic governance and the development of international standard systems, while pushing for the establishment of a more equitable and rational international economic order," said Guo.
Held as part of the SCO's "China Year" events, Wednesday's meeting brought together over 40 delegates from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and other member states.