From July 17 to 18, 2025, Nurlan Yermekbayev, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), attended the opening ceremony of the China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference in Qingdao.

The conference was held at the Qingdao SCODA Pearl International Expo Center (known as the "SCO Pearl" International Expo Center) and hosted by the People's Government of Shandong Province. Zhou Naixiang, Governor of Shandong Province, delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony.

In his speech, Yeremekbayev introduced the goals, achievements and next-step plans of the SCO in economic and trade cooperation. He stated that the SCO will further fully leverage the resources of relevant demonstration zones, border cooperation centers, transportation and logistics hubs, exhibition platforms and non-governmental organizations within the territory of member states to tap the enormous potential for economic and trade cooperation of the organization.

Yeremekbayev specifically pointed out that the China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Zone in Qingdao has played an important constructive role in promoting economic and trade cooperation among SCO countries and strengthening ties between local governments and the business community of various countries.

Envoys to China, local government leaders, representatives of legislative bodies, as well as representatives of enterprises and think tanks from countries of the "SCO Community" such as Belarus, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Uzbekistan and Cambodia attended the opening ceremony of the conference.

During the opening ceremony, the Qingdao Initiative of the China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference was released.

During his attendance at the conference, Yeremekbayev also participated in the opening ceremony of the 2025 UAE Arabian Horse Global Cup (China Leg) co-hosted by the China Horse Industry Association and its UAE partners at the China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Zone.

Additionally, Yeremekbayev awarded certificates to the student representatives of the SCO-China "Emergency Youth" Adolescent Emergency Medical Training Camp. This event was co-organized by the China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Zone and the China-SCO Emergency Medical Rescue Cooperation Center for Emergency Relief Departments.

During his stay in Qingdao, Yeremekbayev also accepted interviews with several Chinese central and local media outlets. He shared his impressions of attending the China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference, his views on the economic and social development of Shandong Province and Qingdao City, as well as his prospects for the local region to further participate in sub-national cooperation within the SCO framework.