Pakistan has taken a significant step towards strengthening digital ties with Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Building a Cross-border E-commerce Platform.
The signing ceremony took place at the Digital Commerce Conference during the 2021 China-SCO Forum on the Digital Economy Industry held in the vibrant tech hub of Chongqing.
The MOU aims to foster collaboration and enhance cooperation among member states of the SCO in the realm of digital economy, specifically focusing on cross-border e-commerce initiatives. The signing ceremony was attended by officials from SCO member states, including Pakistan, along with ambassadors from SCO countries in China, e-commerce enterprises, and industry experts.
The MOU outlines four key areas of cooperation in cross-border e-commerce:
1. Conducting Online and Offline Conferences:
• The signatories have committed to organizing both online and offline conferences to facilitate the development of e-commerce platforms for international trade facilitation. These platforms will serve as spaces for digital technology exchanges and sharing experiences among SCO member states.
2. Joint E-commerce Talent Training:
• Collaboration will extend to joint e-commerce talent training programs. The participating organizations will work with colleges, universities, professional training institutions, e-commerce enterprises, and industry associations to cultivate and nurture e-commerce talents.
3. Promoting Production and Distribution of Competitive Products:
• The MOU emphasizes leveraging e-commerce to enhance the production and distribution of competitive products within SCO countries. This involves providing enterprises with overseas public warehouses, logistics support, payment services, and other essential support to facilitate cross-border cooperation.
4. Encouraging Participation in International Exhibitions and Forums:
• The signatories aim to encourage and guide enterprises to actively participate in international exhibitions and forums on the digital economy. By doing so, they intend to create opportunities for businesses and contribute to the global dialogue on e-commerce developments.
Themed “Joint e-commerce cooperation for a shared future,” the Digital Commerce Conference served as a platform for discussing new trends in international e-commerce. The conference brought together officials from SCO member states, ambassadors of SCO countries in China, e-commerce enterprises, and industry experts.
This collaborative initiative underscores Pakistan’s commitment to embracing the digital economy and leveraging technology to enhance regional partnerships. The SCO member states, including Pakistan, recognize the transformative potential of e-commerce in fostering economic growth, facilitating international trade, and nurturing a shared future in the digital age.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, such agreements and collaborations are essential for creating a robust and interconnected global digital economy. The MOU signifies a collective effort by SCO member states to harness the power of e-commerce for mutual benefit, emphasizing shared prosperity and collaborative growth in the digital realm.
