On June 2nd, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Youth “Road to Common Prosperity” China Tour was launched in Hangzhou of Zhejiang Province. Mr. Wang Chao, President of the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, delivered a welcoming speech at the event. The full text is as follows:

Good evening, young friends!

On behalf of the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, I wish to warmly welcome you, young representatives from the SCO countries, to China, and to the “Road to Common Prosperity” trip in Zhejiang province.

This year is the “China Year” of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The SCO, born in China and named after Shanghai, holds a special significance for us. 

Over the past two decades, the SCO has grown from six member states in the beginning, to a large family of 26 member states, observer states, and dialogue partners. It has pioneered a new model of cooperation among the countries different in social system and path of development, a model featuring unity and collaboration, openness and mutual benefit, inclusiveness and mutual learning. 

We live at a time of great change in the world, and are confronted with a turbulent and volatile international situation. This requires, more than ever, that the SCO plays its role as a cooperation platform for the unity and strength of the Global South, and carry forward the “Shanghai Spirit”.

Young friends,

As the chair of this year, China is carrying out over 100 activities in the political, security, economic and cultural fields, under the slogan of “Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move”. The “Road to Common Prosperity” China trip is one of them.

Zhejiang Province, where you are now, has a profound historical and cultural heritage. It is a forerunner in China’s reform and opening up, and its modernization drive. Moreover, the province is a demonstration area in China’s pursuit of high-quality development and common prosperity. It would not be an overstatement to say that the province presents an excellent window for one to learn about China’s past, present and future.

During this trip, you will have opportunities to see how China lifted hundreds of millions of people out of absolute poverty, and achieved its first centenary goal, namely, to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. You will learn how China spurs innovation as the primary driving force for high-quality development. You will learn how it protects lucid waters and lush mountains to build a beautiful country. You will also learn how China embraces the world with an open and inclusive attitude, to build a community with a shared future for mankind. 

I am confident what you experience during this trip will help you gain a more direct and deeper understanding of China’s  philosophy and path of development, especially Chinese modernization.

Young friends,

The youth, with lofty goals and ready to answer the call of the times, is the future of a country. Exchanges among young people of the SCO matter even more, as you are not only a bridge for deeper mutual understanding and friendship, but also the hope for building an SCO community with a shared future. 

I hope you will make the most of this trip, and contribute your part to the progress and prosperity of the SCO region.

To conclude, I wish this activity a full success, and a most memorable experience to you all!

Thank you！