Shandong: deepening ties with SCO member states

The Shanghai Spirit has formed a solid foundation for the existence and development of the SCO. The organization, upholding the Shanghai Spirit featuring mutual trust and benefit, equal and consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations and pursuit of common development, has since traversed a remarkable journey lasting 17 years. Over the past 17 years, the Shanghai Spirit has become the core conception as well as the invaluable legacy of international relations.

Countries are connected with amiable people-to-people exchanges. Shandong province will steadily enhance friendly communication with SCO member states through tightening people-to-people ties and promoting mental connectivity. In April of this year, five trainees from Uzbekistan participated in a Seminar on Textile and Garment Industry Planning for Developing Countries in 2018 for study. The Russian youth delegation visited Shandong province to exchange ideas, experiencing the charisma of extensive and profound traditional culture of Shandong and felt great achievements of economic and social development in Shandong. There are more international students from SCO member states studying in Shandong University, China University of Petroleum, etc.

“I love Qingdao and I really enjoy the sea, the people and dramatic changes here,” said Atai, who comes from Kazakhstan and now studies in China University of Petroleum. He hopes to have the chance to settle down this civilized and beautiful coastal city.

Shandong province has always delivered the warmth of a big family for these foreign friends. Since 2011, it has proactively promoted foreign workers in Shandong province to participate in social insurance. They can enjoy equal social insurance treatment as Shandong locals so long as they satisfy the conditions. The foreign workers in Shandong province have fully felt the warmth of a big family for social insurance, professional evaluation and visa facilitation, etc. 

“It has given me a sense of belongingness to participate in the social insurance of Shandong province.”

“Shandong is now implementing more flexible and open policies of professional evaluation. I am the member of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; and I can report to Senior Engineer with one-step in Shandong province.”

“The confirmation letter for high level foreign talents helps us to apply for a visa more conveniently which will save time.”

It is filled with love, affection and stories on the land of Shandong, presenting such touching chapters.

“What’s your feeling about Shandong?” When asking the same question to a number of foreign friends who come from SCO member states and the Belt and Road countries, they answered it the same way but in different languages, “I feel good in Shandong.” Perhaps this is the best praise for Shandong province.

With the SCO Qingdao summit around the corner, people from member states have expressed their expectations and good wishes. [Photo/iqilusdtv]