Uzbekistan proposes to introduce a new economic dialogue program within the SCO aimed at the development of high technologies, stated the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Abdulla Aripov, during the meeting of the heads of government of the SCO in Bishkek, Gazeta.uz reports.
The program should encompass areas such as innovative development, digitization, robotics, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and other industries of the future, clarified Aripov.
"To promote cooperation in these areas, we plan to hold an Innovation Partnership Week of the regions of SCO member states in Uzbekistan in 2024, along with organizing a joint exhibition of high technologies," added the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan.
He noted that communication connectivity among the countries in the region remains a crucial factor for SCO's development. Currently, strategic projects for the development of the "North-South" and "East-West" transport corridors are actively advancing, explained Aripov.
"In this context, the launch of practical work on the construction project of the railway China - Kyrgyzstan - Uzbekistan becomes particularly important. We advocate for increasing multimodal transportation along this route and also through Afghanistan towards the ports of Iran and Pakistan with access to the markets of South Asia and the Middle East," added the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan.
He also expressed the opinion that SCO countries should ensure simplified mechanisms for the movement of food products within the organization, especially in cases of disruptions in the agricultural supply system.
Food security issues are highly relevant today, noted the Uzbek Prime Minister. In particular, the complex situation in the global economy has led to disruptions in the agricultural supply system, which affects price increases.
Aripov recalled that these issues were discussed at the international conference on food security held in Samarkand in early September, where representatives of the SCO participated.
"At the conference, the importance of implementing joint measures aimed at developing cooperation through the promotion of smart agriculture and water conservation was emphasized," Aripov added.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan proposed that SCO countries develop accessible cross-regional tourism products. He emphasized the importance of expanding contacts between the tourism administrations, leading tour operators, airlines, and specialized educational institutions in the field of tourism of SCO member states.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
October 27, 2023