The China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization Demonstration Zone for Local Economic and Trade Cooperation has opened a new door for Shandong, added a new economic engine for Qingdao, and enabled Jiaozhou, a county-level city in Qingdao, to undergo a historic transition.

In September 2019, the State Council approved the China-SCO demonstration zone in Jiaozhou for economic collaboration with SCO members.

From 850 million yuan ($126.9 million) in 2019 to 4 billion yuan in 2021, the zone's trade volume with other SCO countries nearly five-folded. Last year, it invested $226.8 million in other SCO countries, which is 56 times more than it invested in 2020.

The China-SCO demonstration zone adds momentum to regional development. [Photo by Sun Zhiwen/Qingdao News]

Jiaozhou city takes on a completely new look as the China-SCO demonstration zone is going gangbusters. [Photo by Sun Zhiwen/Qingdao News]

A picturesque view of the China-SCO demonstration zone [Photo by Sun Zhiwen/Qingdao News]

The China-SCO demonstration zone aims to create a better platform for international cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. [Photo by Sun Zhiwen/Qingdao News]

An aerial view of the industrial parks in the China-SCO demonstration zone [Photo by Sun Zhiwen/Qingdao News]

Many projects are under construction in the China-SCO demonstration zone. [Photo by Sun Zhiwen/Qingdao News]