Egypt will benefit from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) through increased trade with Asian markets, said Egypt's former Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr.
Egypt signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the Uzbek capital Tashkent in 2022 to join the SCO as a dialog partner.
Amr said the SCO benefits not only Egypt but also all the member states.
"Egypt can benefit from increased trade from Asia to our part of the world. And actually it will not only benefit Egypt. Egypt sits at the gateway to Africa so it will be actually for the benefit of the whole continent. Let's not forget the Suez Canal, for example, the most important waterway actually right now. So, definitely this works to the benefit of all sides not only China and Egypt but all sides actually," he said in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).
He also said the organization helps the country to diversify its economy, which is conducive to bolstering its ability to manage crises in the world today.
"At one point, Egypt was, I mean Egyptian businesses, even the private sector [has been] going to only one direction, Europe or the United States. Now there is another attitude. Now, they're looking to other parts of the world. Asia is a very important part actually and very promising part of the world for Egypt and the rest of the countries in the region. The latest development showed us that the more you diversify your economic activities, the better you are equipped to deal with crises," said the former foreign minister.
From July 2 to 6, Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO in Astana, and pay state visits to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan and President Emomali Rahmon of the Republic of Tajikistan.
Egypt benefits from SCO through increased trade with Asia: former FM
Egypt benefits from SCO through increased trade with Asia: former FM
Once a granite quarry suffering from ecological degradation, Wangxian Valley in east China's Jiangxi Province has transformed into a fairyland-like touristic attraction thanks to relentless local efforts.
Featuring gorges, cliffs, clear streams and folk traditions, the valley has become a top choice for many tourists traveling to Jiangxi. Shrouded in clouds, its rainy season invokes a mythical realm for many comers.
"The scenery is beautiful every step of the way and I can take good photos from every angle. With the clear streams flowing in the canyon, it is just like a fairyland," said Zheng Lei, a tourist.
Two decades ago, Wangxian Valley was nothing like the wonderland it is now, but a mere granite quarry. There were more than 120 mining sites at its peak.
Although the quarry once made the villagers rich, the local ecological environment significantly degraded due to backward mining technology and the arbitrary discharge of untreated wastewater and waste stone powder by some stone processing enterprises.
In 2007, stone mining was stopped, and the laid-off workers went to find a living in other places. For those who stayed, however, the damage to the environment was palpable.
"The river water here used to be cloudy, just like milk. And the leaves were covered in dust," said Zhou Lihua, a villager.
Without sound industries nor work forces, it was a challenge to revitalize Wangxian Township and turn the abandoned quarry into a treasure.
"No one wants to come to a place where stinky water flows, so we continue to increase investment in ecological restoration and infrastructure construction in Wangxian Valley. By closing the quarry river, comprehensively improving the water system and reclaiming and greening the land, the water quality has been greatly improved, from the milky state to a Class II level. The forest coverage rate has reached 81 percent, and the number of negative oxygen ions has reached 16,999 per cubic meter in this area," said Wang Zhizhen, deputy head of Guangxin District of Shangrao.
After the initial improvement of the ecological environment, local authorities sought to integrate the natural, cultural and historical resources and build this scenic area full of natural beauty, colorful activities and thrilling adventures step by step over the span of over a decade.
Since opening to the public in 2020, Wangxian Valley has received more than 7.1 million tourists. Meanwhile, more and more young people have returned to their hometown here as the number of job posts and business opportunities grows.
"We benefit from the policy. We are rent free. Now the income is good, and it has multiplied several times. I think my life is very happy now, and I am very satisfied with myself," Zhou said. At present, there are over 700 homestays in Wangxian Valley and various immersive cultural events are held day and night. The scenic area has driven the comprehensive income of surrounding tourism and other industries to about 500 million yuan.
Villagers turn abandoned quarry into wondrous touristic attraction
