Core Viewpoint - The historical significance of the Dagu River is highlighted as a key to understanding the cultural and economic exchanges between Qingdao and the world, particularly in the context of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) [1][3]. Group 1: Dagu River Museum - The Dagu River Museum showcases the natural ecology, water management, historical civilization, and folk customs of the Dagu River basin, with a total planned area of 21,000 square meters and seven exhibition halls [2]. - The museum serves as an important window for displaying the maritime culture of Qingdao and the Maritime Silk Road, emphasizing the region's historical role as a significant node in maritime trade [2]. Group 2: Economic and Cultural Significance - The Dagu River basin has historically been a vital commercial route in northern China, with modern initiatives like the China-Europe Railway Express and international cross-border transport vehicles continuing this legacy of trade [2]. - The historical context of the Dagu River enhances the understanding of Qingdao's role as a hub for local economic cooperation among SCO countries, rooted in a long-standing tradition of openness and trade [3]. Group 3: Media Engagement - The media event, organized by the Qingdao Municipal Publicity Department and China News Service Shandong Branch, aimed to showcase the economic cooperation achievements and open platform advantages of the SCO demonstration zone [5]. - The three-day itinerary allowed international media representatives to focus on the development opportunities and collaborative dynamics within the SCO framework, promoting Qingdao's image [5].

Core Insights - The "Silk Road New Link" is rapidly taking shape in the Qingdao area, with digital technology serving as an accelerator for economic cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) [1][2] - The SCO Economic and Trade Comprehensive Service Platform has registered 22,000 enterprises and processes over 3,000 orders daily, with cross-border settlement amounts exceeding 550 billion RMB [1] - The "Silk Road E-commerce" comprehensive service base is a key international public service platform that connects China with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, showcasing over a thousand products from more than 20 countries [2] Group 1 - The SCO Economic and Trade Comprehensive Service Platform provides a "one-stop" service, allowing enterprises to complete the entire process from finding customers to receiving payments through a single account [1] - The platform has facilitated 11,000 business matching opportunities and supports direct currency exchange for over 10 currencies [1] - The "Silk Road E-commerce" base integrates resources from key industrial zones across China, helping domestic companies expand internationally [2] Group 2 - The SCO demonstration area is building a comprehensive economic and trade cooperation ecosystem, integrating service platforms, logistics networks, e-commerce empowerment, and industrial collaboration [2][3] - Institutional innovation and platform construction are driving new economic momentum and providing lasting energy for regional cooperation under the SCO framework [3]

Core Viewpoint - The China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Zone in Qingdao, Shandong Province, has become a significant platform for cooperation between China and SCO member countries, focusing on regional logistics, modern trade, bilateral investment cooperation, and cultural exchanges. Group 1: Investment and Economic Impact - The total investment in industrial projects within the SCO Demonstration Zone has exceeded 150 billion yuan, with an average annual growth of 56% in imports and exports with SCO countries [3] - The demonstration zone has established itself as a key area for showcasing SCO culture, resource integration, and hosting important activities, contributing positively to building a community with a shared future for SCO [3] Group 2: Logistics Development - The regional logistics center has seen significant improvements, with 42 maritime routes and 223 air routes opened to SCO countries, leading to the highest container volume in coastal ports for sea-rail intermodal transport [5] - Over the past seven years, the demonstration zone has facilitated 4,803 China-Europe freight trains, with an average annual growth of 33%, transporting over 330,000 tons of goods [9] Group 3: Modern Trade and Digital Infrastructure - The modern trade center has enhanced its efficiency by establishing four major platforms: a comprehensive service platform for SCO trade, an international energy trading center, a green agricultural product trading center, and a Silk Road e-commerce service base, promoting digital infrastructure for trade [7] - The demonstration zone has implemented a "new infrastructure" for digital trade, making cross-border trade more convenient, efficient, and cost-effective [7] Group 4: Bilateral Investment Initiatives - The bilateral investment center has strengthened its capabilities by focusing on industry, technology, and finance, attracting innovative resources and development factors, and establishing itself as a preferred destination for industrial investment [9] - The zone has collaborated with 40 domestic and international parks to create an SCO industrial park alliance, resulting in the establishment of key industrial parks such as the Chaos Industrial Internet Ecological Park and the SCO Aerospace Industrial Park [9] Group 5: Freight Train Operations and Efficiency - The number of China-Europe (Central Asia) freight trains passing through the Horgos railway port has exceeded 6,600 this year, marking a 21.8% increase, which supports the smooth operation of regional industrial and supply chains among SCO member countries [10] - Recent reforms at Horgos port have significantly reduced the customs clearance time for imported goods from 2-3 days to under 16 hours, achieving a 70% reduction [11]