China-SCO Sci-Tech Innovation Cooperation Center unveiled to promote multilateral cooperation

China

China-SCO Sci-Tech Innovation Cooperation Center unveiled to promote multilateral cooperation

2025-09-05 13:51 Last Updated At：14:37

The China-SCO Sci-Tech Innovation Cooperation Center was unveiled in Qingdao City of East China's Shandong Province on Thursday, aiming to promote multilateral academic exchanges in innovation, and foster an open, inclusive and mutually beneficial international innovation ecosystem.

The unveiling followed the China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 held earlier this week in north China's Tianjin Municipality, and the initiation of three SCO cooperation platforms in energy, green industry, and the digital economy and major cooperation centers for higher education and vocational and technical education on Tuesday.

A total of 10 key international cooperation programs were launched on the occasion of the unveiling on Thursday, covering fields including bio-medicine, high-end equipment, and modern high-efficiency agriculture.

On the sidelines of the unveiling ceremony, attendees shared their expectations for the new innovation center.

"I think that through the China-SCO Sci-Tech Innovation Cooperation Center, we can cooperate with other SCO member states and Belt and Road partner countries in sci-tech innovation in a more effective, faster and more significant way. What is even more crucial is that we can help promote the transfer and application of sci-tech achievements," said Naser Golsanami, professor with the Shandong University of Science and Technology.

"China has seen rapid development in science and technology, achieving numerous results. We also hope to gain insights into the research achievements in science and technology abroad. The center will allow us to cooperate and exchange with other countries, particularly other SCO countries in a more convenient and swift way," said Wang Chuansheng, professor with the Qingdao University of Science and Technology.

The center will focus on areas including artificial intelligence, the digital economy, healthcare, modern agriculture, and climate change. It will work to promote bilateral and multilateral joint research, and advance the establishment of international joint laboratories and research centers.

An international think tank for SCO member states will be set up, along with a think tank alliance to facilitate in-depth exchanges on sci-tech innovation policies and practical experience with all parties, thus providing intellectual support for international scientific and technological cooperation.

What began in 2001 with six member states -- China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan -- has since expanded to include India, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus.

Comprising these 10 member states, two observer states and 14 dialog partners spanning Asia, Europe and Africa, the SCO now forms a 26-nation "big family." It is now the world's largest regional international organization by both geographical area and population.

Sales of China's National Games merchandise top 680 million yuan

Licensed merchandise for China's 15th National Games has generated more than 680 million yuan (about 96 million U.S. dollars) in sales, as events continue across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

With demand surging for products featuring the Games' dolphin-themed mascots, "Xiyangyang" and "Lerongrong", inspired by the Chinese white dolphin, have emerged as top sellers and helped drive a boom in cultural and creative products.

Retail outlets for the National Games and the National Paralympic Games have reported heavy foot traffic in recent days, with several popular items selling out.

In Guangzhou, staff at a local manufacturer were preparing batches of the "Joy Pack" on Sunday, a backpack printed with the mascots and designed as a commemorative item for the opening ceremony.

The product, now part of the official licensed merchandise lineup, has quickly gained traction for its design and practicality.

"Our 'Joy Pack' went live on our official online store on Nov 14, and sales topped 10,000 in just 30 minutes. With respect to such high demand -- a concern of consumers -- we're taking urgent actions. The Greater Bay Area has a well-established industrial supply chain, and we're working overtime on packing and shipping," said Liu Lu, deputy general manager of a licensed merchandise operator for the Games.

Organizers have released more than 2,800 licensed products across 20 categories. Guangdong has opened over 500 offline retail stores and more than 70 online shops, helping drive strong merchandise sales.

"I bought this earphone case, a blind box, and a volunteer-style backpack. The dolphin is so cute, and the products that blend traditional culture look great and are really worth it. As a Guangdong native, I feel proud -- the National Games only come once every four years, and this year they're being held right here in the Greater Bay Area. I wanted to experience the atmosphere," said Yuan Jiahui, a consumer.

The National Games, held every four years, is China's largest national multi-sport event. It opened on Nov 9 in Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong Province, and runs through Nov 21 this year.