Proposal urges expansion of market for Xinjiang cotton
To expand the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region's international market and offset the effects of U.S. sanctions against its cotton industry, a national political adviser from Xinjiang has proposed the establishment of a common cotton market under the Shanghai Cooperation Organization framework.
Liang Yong, a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee and director of the office of Xinjiang's cotton industry development leading group, said at the ongoing two sessions that Xinjiang cotton, loved by consumers at home and abroad alike for its high quality, has played an increasingly important role in promoting the economic growth of the region and providing jobs for people of all ethnic groups.
But since 2020, the Chinese cotton, textile and apparel industry has been facing big challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions and global inflation. Amid all this, in June 2022, the United States passed a law blacklisting Xinjiang cotton, claiming it was produced and processed using forced labor, which inflicted considerable damage on the Chinese cotton industry and the broader textile and garment sector.
In light of these challenges, Liang suggested that China leverage the SCO's role to advance cooperation on Xinjiang cotton among SCO member states. In its 23 years of existence, the SCO has expanded its sphere of influence. It now has nine members, three observer countries and 14 dialogue partners, which are spread across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Its member states account for more than a quarter of the world's land and nearly half its population, and comprise about 20 percent of the global economy.
Cotton, textiles and garments are among the most vital commodities traded by SCO member states, Liang said. Xinjiang, along with India, Pakistan and the five Central Asian countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan — account for nearly 60 percent of global cotton output.
Liang added that with the Belt and Road Initiative deepening cooperation among countries, collaboration in cotton and textiles between China and the other SCO member states can be fortified. In this regard, the establishment of an "SCO common cotton market is of strategic importance", he said.
Liang said his proposal aims to reduce the world's reliance on U.S. and Australian cotton, offset the effects of U.S. sanctions on Xinjiang cotton, and expand Xinjiang's cotton market. It will also allow other SCO members to share China's advanced cotton producing and processing technologies, strengthening the global standing of China's cotton sector.
It will also help leverage Xinjiang's trade hubs to enhance regional integration and boost the development of the Belt and Road Initiative, fostering deeper industrial and trade collaboration among SCO countries.
Xinjiang produced 5.11 million metric tons of cotton last year, accounting for over 90 percent of China's total cotton output and about a fifth of global output, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
Xinjiang's cotton industry has adopted mechanization, digitalization and intelligent technologies, Liang said, raising the mechanized cotton harvesting rate from 21 percent in 2014 to 89 percent last year. And Xinjiang cotton's fiber length, softness and durability rank among the world's best.
"The potential for cooperation is immense," Liang said.
Related articles
Kate Hudson hits the stage to debut songs from her new album Glorious at star
Kate Hudson looked like a pro as she performed songs from her new album Glorious for the first time.2024-05-21Hong Kong arrests 291 for endangering national security in past 4 years — Radio Free Asia
Hong Kong has arrested 291 people for endangering national security in the near four years since the2024-05-21Klay Thompson wants do decompress from season before delving into what's next as a free agent
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Fighting his emotions from the most frustrating of nights, Klay Thompson peered2024-05-21UN chief calls for reform of global financial architecture, particularly with regard to debt
UNITED NATIONS, April 15 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called for the2024-05-21Ben Whishaw lights up the Croisette as he joins his co
Ben Whishaw was all smiles at the world premiere of Limonov: The Ballad at the 77th annual Cannes Fi2024-05-21New Mexico voters can now sign up to receive absentee ballots permanently
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Registered voters in New Mexico for the first time can join a permanent list t2024-05-21
atest comment