On Sept. 15, the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Digital Economy Forum opened in Urumqi under the theme “Digital SCO, Smart Future,” drawing regional officials and international representatives to discuss digital cooperation, according to official reports. National People’s Congress Standing Committee Vice-Chairman Zhang Qingwei attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech.
The opening ceremony featured addresses from several high-ranking international and domestic figures. Tajikistan First Deputy Prime Minister Kholikzoda and Kyrgyzstan State Secretary Koichiev delivered remarks, while regional leadership was represented by autonomous region party chief Chen Xiaojiang, who gave a welcoming address, and autonomous region chairman Erkin Tuniyaz, who hosted the event. Additional opening remarks were delivered by SCO Deputy Secretary-General Sohail Khan and National Data Agency Party Secretary and Director Liu Liehong, with regional officials Zomret Obul and He Zhongyou also attending the proceedings.
Key Cooperation Priorities and Initiatives Outlined
During his keynote address, Zhang Qingwei stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping’s important speech at the 2026 Bishkek Summit provided a clear direction for deepening digital economy cooperation among SCO members. According to Zhang, participating parties should uphold the “Shanghai Spirit,” implement consensus reached by the Council of Heads of State, and build long-term cooperation mechanisms focused on digital infrastructure, policy synergy, and secure digital environments.
Regional party chief Chen Xiaojiang stated that Xinjiang will implement Xi Jinping’s directives by advancing practical inter-regional cooperation, building secure digital channel networks, and fostering green computing and digital trade. National Data Agency Director Liu Liehong similarly emphasized the need to implement leadership consensus through practical projects, data governance, and expanded applications for artificial intelligence and smart technologies in agriculture and energy.
Did You Know? The 2026 SCO Digital Economy Forum in Urumqi debuted major collaborative releases, including the “SCO Digital Economy Priority Cooperation Matters and Intentions List (2026–2027)” and the “China-SCO Digital Economy Cooperation Typical Cases Collection (2026).”
Digital Corridors and Future Outlook
International representatives outlined concrete steps for bridging the digital gap across member states. Kholikzoda, Koichiev, and Sohail Khan noted that participating nations are accelerating their digital transitions by constructing an SCO digital corridor to boost investment and technology innovation while deepening cooperation with Xinjiang.
Additional thematic speeches were delivered during the main forum by Pakistan Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Minister Iqbal and SCO Business Council Secretariat Secretary-General Kanavsky.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did the 2026 SCO Digital Economy Forum take place?
The forum opened on Sept. 15 in Urumqi under the theme “Digital SCO, Smart Future.”
Who delivered the keynote speech at the opening ceremony?
National People’s Congress Standing Committee Vice-Chairman Zhang Qingwei delivered the keynote speech.
What key documents were released during the forum?
The event featured the release of the “SCO Digital Economy Priority Cooperation Matters and Intentions List (2026–2027)” and the “China-SCO Digital Economy Cooperation Typical Cases Collection (2026).”
How will regional digital infrastructure projects impact cross-border trade and cooperation among SCO member states in the coming years?
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