Storyline: China, other SCO members see stronger cooperation in multiple areas [Voice_over] Vice Minister of Commerce Ling Ji said that SCO countries have seen stronger cooperation in trade, investment, and supply chains. Key sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and emerging areas like the digital and green economy are driving this momentum. These efforts have already delivered tangible results. [Sound_bite] Ling Ji, Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce: "In 2024, the trade volume between China and other SCO member states reached 512 billion US dollars, marking a 2.7 percent increase compared to the previous year and doubling the figure recorded in 2018 when China hosted the SCO Qingdao Summit." [Voice_over] The ministry highlighted the SCO's long-standing institutional mechanisms for regional cooperation, from ministerial meetings to technical working groups that keep members connected. [Sound_bite] Ling Ji, Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce: "The main mechanism of regional economic cooperation in the SCO is the Economic and Trade Ministers' Meeting, which has been operational for many years. Under this framework we have a senior officials' committee, and several working groups, including customs cooperation, e-commerce, investment promotion, and modern information technologies. These cover the most important aspects of regional economic cooperation." [Voice_over] Looking ahead, China said these regional efforts are closely tied to the global multilateral trading system, where the WTO continues to play a central role. [Sound_bite] Han Yong, Director-General, Department of WTO Affairs, Chinese Ministry of Commerce: "The WTO is an important pillar of multilateralism, and an important stage for global economic governance. It has greatly contributed to global trade and investment liberalization, and helped developing members better integrate into the global trading system." [Voice_over] The Ministry warned that unilateral tariffs are undermining the rules-based order. China will continue to work with SCO partners to safeguard multilateralism and advance reform. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]