Director-General Hu Kaiqiang Delivers a Video Address at the Preparatory Meeting and Launch Ceremony for the SCO Medical Research Institute’s Seed Projects

Shanghai Cooperation Organization Time  

On March 28, 2026, the Preparatory Launch Meeting of the SCO Medical Research Institute and the Seed Project Kickoff Meeting of the Precision Medicine Innovation Working Committee of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Multifunctional Economic and Trade Platform were held in Beijing. The event brought together distinguished guests and experts from government, industry, academia, research institutions, and the medical community across SCO member states, jointly marking the addition of a new driving force to international cooperation in life sciences and precision medicine among SCO countries.

Hu Kaiqiang, Secretary-General of the Multifunctional Economic and Trade Platform of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States and Deputy Director of the Committee on Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan Affairs, Overseas Chinese Affairs, and Foreign Affairs of the Chongqing Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, delivered a video address to the forum. At the delegation of Secretary-General Hu Kaiqiang, Zhang Guangfu, Deputy Secretary-General of the Multifunctional Economic and Trade Platform of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States, attended the event in person.

He stated that the “Healthy China” initiative is being implemented in depth, the vision of a “community of health for all” is gaining increasing traction, and life sciences are now at a pivotal juncture where technological revolution and industrial transformation are converging and integrating. Promoting scientific research collaboration and the commercialization of research outcomes among SCO member states in the field of medicine is both a demand of our times and the aspiration of the people. He emphasized that the Platform has consistently been committed to fostering economic and trade exchanges and industrial synergy among SCO member states. In particular, in the healthcare sector, the Platform has established four working committees covering traditional medicine, precision medicine, public health, and other related areas, and has appointed leading domestic and international medical experts—including National Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine and People’s Hero Academician Zhang Boli—as lifetime honorary chairpersons or think tank advisors. Through the deep integration of the entire value chain—medicine, education, research, industry, and application—the Platform is taking concrete actions to further advance the strategic consensus reached by the heads of state of member countries. The establishment and launch of the SCO Medical Research Institute under the Platform’s Precision Medicine Innovation Working Committee, along with its seed projects, are of great significance in focusing on cutting-edge scientific research, accelerating the translation and application of research findings, expanding international cooperation networks, and striving to build a new high ground for medical research collaboration and technology transfer among SCO member states. In his address, Secretary-General Hu Kaiqiang encouraged the Institute to fully leverage the Platform’s strengths, serve as a bridge for deep collaboration between scientists and entrepreneurs, facilitate the translation of basic research into clinical applications, and ensure that innovative achievements benefit a wider population.

During the conference, a ceremony was held to present certificates to the newly admitted member organization, the SCO Medical Research Institute Co., Ltd., as well as appointment letters for the position of Deputy Secretary-General. Experts from relevant fields also delivered specialized lectures.

Looking ahead, the proposed Shanghai Cooperation Organization Institute of Medical Research will be guided by the “Shanghai Spirit,” leveraging the SCO’s multifunctional economic and trade platform to integrate global research, talent, and industrial resources in the field of precision medicine. The institute will focus on technology transfer, cross-border collaboration, talent development, and joint standard-setting, with the aim of accelerating the industrialization and cross-border implementation of cutting-edge technologies such as cell therapy, antibody drugs, and precision diagnostics. It will also promote medical science and technology exchange and industrial cooperation among SCO member states, contributing SCO wisdom and strength to the building of a community of health for all and ushering in a new chapter of international cooperation in the healthcare sector among SCO countries.