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SCO states back creative industries, says communique

The heads of delegations noted that the creative economy may become one of the elements of the development of the sides’ innovative potential

BEIJING, November 1. /TASS/. The creative economy may help develop the innovative potential of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s (SCO) member-states, which is why it is necessary to support corresponding industries, according to a joint communique approved on Tuesday after the 21st meeting of the Council of SCO Heads of Governments.

"The heads of delegations noted that the creative economy may become one of the elements of the development of the sides’ innovative potential. They believe supporting creative industries will help improve the economies’ competitiveness, develop small and mid-sized entrepreneurship and expand the employment market of SCO member-states," the document reads.

The heads of delegations welcomed holding a regular forum for startups and innovation contest within the framework of the SCO for supporting the development of micro, small and mid-sized businesses.

The SCO is an international organization founded in 2001. It currently contains Russia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Another four countries, including Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia, have observer status. Moreover, nine countries are dialogue partners, among them Azerbaijan, Armenia, Egypt, Cambodia, Qatar, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Sri Lanka.

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