Members states of the China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) pledged to speed up the development of the digital economy to curtail the blow of the COVID-19 pandemic, said a statement. 

The 20th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO was held on Tuesday. It pointed out the importance of "digital transformation" especially during the pandemic, citing it can create the necessary conditions for global inclusive growth to supplement the benefits of all participants, according in a statement released afterwards.

"We are willing to extensively exchange experience and best practices in the field of digital economy under the leadership of the United Nations. We believe that strengthening digital connectivity, creating new cooperation to simulate growth, and enhancing investment attractiveness," said the statement, by doing this, it will bring new prospects and opportunities to economic development. 

Strengthening practical cooperation in the field of digital economy is conducive to enhancing the technological competitiveness of SCO member states and enhancing economic and social well-being, the statement added. 

China will host a China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) forum on digital economy next year in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, said President Xi Jinping via video link.

The forum will provide a platform for innovation cooperation among parties, Xi said.  

Strengthening cooperation in pandemic battle

In a separate statement, the SCO called on the international community to take resolute, coordinated and inclusive actions in jointly fighting the COVID-19 epidemics, and promote global economic recovery and sustainable growth.

The group emphasized that it is very important for the international community to work together in consolidating the world health system. In particular; it referred to enhancing the potential of the World Health Organization (WHO) as a specialized agency of the United Nations, as well as implementing the International Health Regulations adopted by the WHO in 2005.

The group pledged to strengthen cooperation in the field of public health, including strengthening coordination in emergency epidemic prevention, and enhance scientific and technological cooperation in areas including medicine, vaccines, and testing reagents.

The SCO's Council of Heads of State called on the international community to take resolute, coordinated and inclusive actions in jointly fighting the COVID-19 epidemics, and promote global economic recovery and sustainable growth.

The group emphasized that it is very important for the international community to work together in consolidating the world health system. In particular; it referred to enhancing the potential of the World Health Organization (WHO) as a specialized agency of the United Nations, as well as implementing the International Health Regulations adopted by the WHO in 2005.

The group pledged to strengthen cooperation in the field of public health, including strengthening coordination in emergency epidemic prevention, and enhance scientific and technological cooperation in areas including medicine, vaccines, and testing reagents.

(Cover via CFP)