The reporter learned from relevant departments in Jiaozhou, Qingdao,china that the first Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Qingdao Forum, along with the International Investment and Trade Expo, will be held from May 24th to 26th, 2019, in Jiaozhou, Qingdao.

It is understood that in order to accelerate the construction of the SCO demonstration zone, the Qingdao Municipal Government plans to host the SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Qingdao Forum annually from 2019 onwards. Concurrently, they will also organize the SCO International Investment and Trade Expo. Jiaozhou, as the main base for the SCO demonstration zone construction, will serve as the permanent venue for these forums and expos.

The forum, themed "Building a Demonstration Model of SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation through Joint Consultation, Construction, and Sharing," will focus on two main topics: "Promoting Interconnectivity and Tapping New Momentum for SCO Cooperation" and "Facilitating Investment and Trade Liberalization to Boost New Development for SCO Cooperation." Discussions and exchanges will be centered around investment and trade liberalization and facilitation, regional financial center construction, cooperation among small and medium-sized enterprises, energy cooperation, and collaboration between key areas and parks.

As a supporting activity for the forum, the SCO International Investment and Trade Expo will have the theme "Promoting International Cooperation in the Belt and Road Initiative and Advancing Deep Development of SCO Countries." It will consist of five exhibition areas: the SCO demonstration zone planning and achievements exhibition area, national/regional pavilions, a large enterprises exhibition area for Chinese and SCO countries' cooperation, an economic and trade cooperation and characteristic industry park exhibition area, and a small enterprises' commodity exhibition area from SCO member states, as well as countries from Northeast Asia, the European Union, and ASEAN. Exhibitors and buyers from 18 SCO member states and the mentioned regions will participate.

During the forum, various activities will be held, including the China Youth Science and Technology Innovation and 3D Printing Invitational Competition, the "SCO Silk Road" International Food and Culture Festival, project negotiations, signing ceremonies, special promotions, and more.