Free trade zone proposed
2003-09-24 China Daily
Premier Wen Jiabao yesterday proposed setting up a free trade zone within the
Shanghai Co-operation Organization (SCO).
Wen raised the proposal with Kazakh Prime Minister Daniyal Akhmetov, Kyrgyz
Prime Minister Nikolai Tanayev, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov, Tajik
Prime Minister Akil Akilov and Uzbek Prime Minister Utkur Sultanov at the SCO
talks in Beijing.
Wen said the main aim of the meeting was to work out how to follow through on
the organization's Moscow Summit in May, and to push for further co-operation
across the board.
The leaders signed a framework agreement on multilateral economic
co-operation among SCO's six member countries. They also released a joint
communique at the conclusion of their consultations.
The framework agreement aims to deepen economic co-operation among SCO
members and improve their investment environment, according to the joint
communique.
The six countries will further facilitate trade and investment, and
co-operate on transport and disaster relief and prevention, says the joint
communique.
Wen, who chaired the meeting, also proposed improving the flow of goods
within the SCO and reducing non-tariff barriers in customs, quarantine,
standards and transport services.
He further suggested the organization pursue some large projects promoting
economic and technological co-operation. SCO should give priority to the
transport, energy, telecommunications, agriculture, home appliance, light
industry and textile sectors, Wen said.
The joint communique says the organization has become an important means of
safeguarding safety and stability in Central Asia and promoting development
among its members.
The prime ministers of the SCO member countries have reached a consensus on
how to further develop consultations in future and on how to implement
multilateral co-operation in various fields.
The prime ministers signed agreements on the organization's budget for next
year as well as rules and regulations on salary, benefits and allowances for
staff members of the SCO permanent body. They also signed off on the
establishment of a regional anti-terrorism body and its staffing and inked a
memorandum of understanding on the SCO permanent body.
The leaders will hold their next round of talks next year in Bishkek, capital
of Tajikistan.
President Hu Jintao met with the Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Russian, Tajik and Uzbek
prime ministers yesterday afternoon.
The Russian and Central Asian leaders also held a separate meeting with Wen
yesterday afternoon.
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