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
The cancer drugs that could improve survival rates if given to patients in the morning
Giving cancer patients immunotherapy early in the morning rather than in the afternoon could improve2024-05-01Heavy rain warning for Westland likely to move to red
Mist and clouds hover over the area on the road to Franz Josef glacier on 19 January, 2024. Photo: R2024-05-01National candidate heads to easy victory in Port Waikato by
Andrew Bayly Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone2024-05-01Trump poised for billions as stock market deal passes
By Natalie Sherman, BBC Business reporter, New YorkFormer US president Donald Trump could soon benef2024-05-01Alabama lawmakers propose compromise on gambling bill with lottery, electronic wagering machines
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama lawmakers on Tuesday proposed a compromise on gambling legislation t2024-05-01Pacific, Māori leaders seek legal personhood for whales
File pic Photo:2024-05-01
atest comment