SCO Digital Economy Forum highlights cooperation opportunities among member states

The 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Digital Economy Forum, which opened in north China's Tianjin Municipality on Friday, highlighted the cooperation opportunities among SCO member states to push for a digital future jointly.

Themed "New Bonds in the Digital Economy, New Horizons for Cooperation," the forum drew over 1,500 attendees from governments, enterprises, universities, and think tanks of SCO member states.

They engaged in lively discussions on topics such as the digital transformation of industries, the application of digital technologies, and extracting value from data.

During a thematic forum focusing on digital-real integration, Liu Liehong, head of China's National Data Administration, emphasized the extensive cooperation among SCO member countries in areas such as digital infrastructure construction, e-commerce, digital payments, and big data applications.

Liu said that moving forward, SCO member states should leverage their respective strengths to drive cooperation in the digital economy to new heights.

"In June, relevant departments of the SCO released the China-SCO Digital Technology Toolkit, which includes over 50 digital public products to provide resource support for digital technology collaboration among member states. We will also release an action plan for the development of the digital economy among SCO member countries, empowering industrial transformation and upgrading and sharing digital dividends to build a more equitable, inclusive digital world," said Liu.

The forum also featured in-depth discussions on data governance, digital talent cultivation, and cooperation in digital infrastructure construction.

"The Internet backbone is one of the ways that connects the optical fiber connections. One of our partnerships -- China -- we call China an investor. We will keep the networking and keep what's called the close connectivity," said Om Romny, secretary of state of Cambodia's Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport.

Sergei Kanavsky, executive secretary of the SCO Business Council, emphasized the crucial role of talent cultivation in driving the digital economy.

"Today, we pay special attention to education and the training of personnel. So, in fact, there are very broad, very large opportunities for the application of the digital economy in any area of the economy," said Kanavsky.

Nurlan Yermekbayev, secretary-general of the SCO, hailed the significance of digital technologies in modern life and China's role in promoting the development of digital economy and artificial intelligence.

"Digital development and the digital economy have now penetrated every sphere of human and social activities. They enhance labor productivity, promote individual well-being, and provide people with the necessary amenities. China's presidency of the SCO has injected new impetus into the realms of digital development and artificial intelligence," said Yermekbayev.

The forum serves as part of the preparations for the upcoming SCO Summit in China this autumn, showcasing the digital economy achievements of member states.

SCO Digital Economy Forum highlights cooperation opportunities among member states

The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.

In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.

"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.

Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."

Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.

President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.

Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.

Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.

The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.

Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests