Smart cities key to driving SCO's intl influence

Participating countries can learn from host nation's modernization process, officials and experts say

Officials and experts from Shanghai Cooperation Organization member countries emphasized the pivotal role cities have played in contributing to the organization's development and expanding its global influence during the thematic dialogue among leaders of SCO cities at a summit in Tianjin on Tuesday.

As China advances its modernization process, the vast experiences accumulated by Chinese cities in areas such as smart technologies, the green economy and sustainable development will provide valuable insights for future SCO cooperation, participants told the Global Mayors Dialogue・SCO Summit Cities.

With Tianjin poised to become the SCO's capital when it hosts the organization's upcoming summit in autumn, Wang Xu, executive vice-mayor of Tianjin, said that the city is moving toward the goal of building a world-class smart and green port.