DUSHANBE — Premier Li Keqiang called on member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to promote the construction of regional cross-border railway networks and consistently improve the “soft environment” for interconnectivity on Oct 12.

He made the remarks at the 17th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in the Tajik capital of Dushanbe.

He emphasized that interconnectivity among the SCO member countries is not only a necessary requirement of regional development and cooperation, but also the focus of building the Belt and Road, which is conducive to creating a new pattern of Eurasia’s coordinated development.

“A convenient and efficient transportation network serves as an important prerequisite for facilitating the free flow of production factors, cross-border trade and people-to-people exchanges,” the Premier said.

Initiated in 2001, the SCO has recently witnessed a series of achievements of regional interconnectivity among its member states.

The Premier suggested the SCO member states continue to improve the cooperation mechanism among railway departments, enhance the synergy of policies, technologies and standards, as well as build multi-model logistics centers and simplify border, customs and quarantine procedures of cargo clearance by applying advanced technology.