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
Bella Thorne puts on a leggy display in a dark red off
Bella Thorne put on a leggy display in an off-the-shoulder thigh-split dress at the 77th annual Cann2024-05-22Do YOU think St George's Day should be a national holiday?
In a bid to toast to their English roots with more than just tea, Brits across the country are backi2024-05-22The best places to book a holiday if you don't want your hair to go frizzy
With summer around the corner, thousands of Britons are looking to jet away for some much-deserved v2024-05-22Russia voices dissatisfaction over Security Council inaction on Nord Stream sabotage
UNITED NATIONS, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Russia on Thursday expressed dissatisfaction with the Security2024-05-22Trump campaign video includes references to a 'unified Reich'
NEW YORK (AP) — A video posted to Donald Trump’s account on his social media network included refere2024-05-22Tennessee passes bill to allow armed teachers in public schools
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Protesters chanted “Blood on your hands” at Tennessee House Republicans on T2024-05-22
atest comment