Imagine four trucks loaded with medical supplies embarking on a weeklong journey to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. In August 2024, four TIR trucks rolled out from SCODA in Qingdao, in the eastern part of the Chinese mainland, marking the launch of the first SCODA-Uzbekistan TIR link. 🚚
SCODA's TIR Leap
- SCODA now operates four TIR routes connecting the Chinese mainland with Russia, Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Belarus.
- By July, 500 vehicles moved goods worth over 341 million yuan (~$47.5M) across 40+ product categories.
Numbers that Matter 💼
Customs data shows trade between the Chinese mainland and SCO members topped $512.5B in 2024 (+2.7%). In Jan–May, it reached $204.9B (+0.8%).
Pragmatism in Action: Tianjin’s Role 🤝
On April 10, Tianjin hosted the 'China-SCO Sustainable Development Industrial Investment Promotion Event'. Delegates from member states showcased sustainable projects across energy, mining and infrastructure. Eighteen contracts were signed across eight countries, totaling 4.795 billion yuan (~$700M).
'Pragmatism is the key theme… We hope to facilitate more practical cooperation,' said Luan Jianzhang, director of Tianjin’s Foreign Affairs Office.
Building Skills & Ties 🌱
- Since 2016, Tianjin opened 24 Luban Workshops in 23 countries; 10 are in SCO states, sharing hands-on vocational training.
- In 2024, Tianjin’s trade with SCO partners hit 47.39B yuan (+15.6%).
- Actual investments from SCO members reached $136.81M, spawning 213 new enterprises.
- Twenty sister-city partnerships now link Tianjin with SCO nations across 11 countries.
From scaled-up road links in Qingdao to vibrant workshops in Tianjin, the SCO’s 2024 playbook shows how pragmatic cooperation delivers real-world wins. 🌟
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
