SCO stories showcase shared growth

Van Svetlana, a Russian entrepreneur, launched her company in Qingdao, Shandong province, in January 2019, drawn by the development potential of the China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area. Over the past six years, her business has doubled in size.

She has also led the Russia National Elements Exhibition Area — the Russian Pavilion at the Qingdao SCODA Pearl International Expo Center — to become a platform for promoting Russian products, language and culture across SCO member countries.

"The pavilion is now more than just an exhibition area; it is a vibrant platform for cultural exchanges. People come here not only to meet and engage in trade, but also to form genuine friendships," said Svetlana, head of the Russian Pavilion.

Svetlana shared her story on Tuesday in Beijing at the launch of Stories of the SCO in the New Era. The book presents 18 accounts of cooperation among SCO countries, covering science and technology, healthcare, education, sports, culture and tourism.

The event was held ahead of the SCO Tianjin Summit, which will run from Aug 31 through Sept 1.

While addressing the launch, Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Bin emphasized the importance of storytelling in fostering public understanding of the SCO.

"Cooperation across various fields within the SCO framework has flourished, with numerous inspiring stories of collaboration emerging. Collecting and promoting these stories can enhance public understanding and awareness of the SCO, making it a valuable endeavor," he said.

Liu noted that since its founding, the SCO has embodied the shared aspirations of people in the region for peace, stability, development, prosperity and lasting friendship.

SCO Deputy Secretary-General Ahmad Saidmurodzoda said the book gathers perspectives from people in various fields, emphasizing a shared objective to enhance mutual understanding, improve people's well-being and achieve regional peace and stability.

"The SCO is a dynamic organization, and since 2021, we have established a strong tradition of deepening cooperation in people-to-people exchanges," he said.

At the event, Hou Xianru, a leading ophthalmologist at Peking University People's Hospital, described how Chinese medical teams have restored sight to thousands in Central Asia.

Since 2019, Hou and his teammates have completed about 950 free cataract surgeries in Uzbekistan and more than 600 in Kyrgyzstan.

"Our work may not be grand or spectacular, but it consists of small, beautiful contributions that have genuinely benefited the local community," Hou said.

By the end of June, Chinese medical teams had completed more than 2,300 free cataract surgeries for people in SCO member countries.

As the book's preface notes, the stories "vividly illustrate the tangible benefits that cooperation within the SCO framework has brought to the peoples of SCO countries".

The book has been released in Chinese, Russian and English.

Liu said the book not only shares experiences of cooperation, but also strengthens confidence in win-win outcomes within SCO countries.

"We hope this book will help readers from various countries gain a deeper understanding of the SCO, become more familiar with the SCO, and engage with the SCO, thereby carrying forward the 'Shanghai Spirit'," he said.