SCO Prime ministers from China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan pose for a group photo in Beijing Sept.23. (Xinhua Photo)

    BEIJING, Sept.23 (Xinhua)-- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Tuesday proposed to set up a free trade zone within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

    The proposal is one of three proposals to boost regional economic cooperation Wen made when he spoke to the talks attended by the prime ministers of the six SCO members Tuesday morning.

    The proposals are:

    -- To promote the facilitation of trade and investment in a bid to realize the smooth circulation of goods within the framework of the SCO as well as to reduce and eliminate non-tariff barriers like those in customs service, quarantine, standards and transportation.

    -- To set certain large projects on economic and technological cooperation and give priority to those in transportation, energy, telecommunication, agriculture, home appliances, light industry and textile.

    -- To set a long-term objective for regional economic cooperation and gradually set up a free trade zone within the SCO.

The six countries also signed this morning six documents. They cover multi-lateral economic and trade cooperation among SCO members, SCO budget for the year 2004, rules and regulations on salary guarantee and allowances for staff members of the SCO permanent body, local anti-terrorism institution and personnel arrangement, technical initiation of the SCO permanent body, and a joint communique of the consultation.

    The SCO groups China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Enditem