Need to build resilient supply chains, boost connectivity: PM Modi at SCO

Source: The post is based on the article “Need to build resilient supply chains, boost connectivity: PM Modi at SCO” published in Business Standard on 17th September 2022.

What is the News?

The Indian Prime Minister addressed the 22nd Meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) Council of Heads of State held at Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

What are the key highlights from his address?

Resilient Supply Chain: SCO should create trusted and resilient supply chains to bolster economic recovery and overcome impediments created by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine crisis.

Startups: There are over 70,000 start-ups in India today of which over 100 are unicorns. India is ready to share its experience in the startups sector with other SCO member countries by establishing a new special working group on start-ups and innovation.

Food Security: The world today faces a major challenge of ensuring the food security of our citizens. One possible solution to this problem is to promote the cultivation and consumption of millets.

– Millets are a ‘superfood’ and have been grown for thousands of years.They represent a traditional, nutritious and low-cost alternative to the food crisis.

– The year 2023 will be celebrated as the UN International Year of Millets.Hence, the PM suggested that SCO should consider organizing a ‘Millet Food Festival’.

Traditional Medicine: India has become one of the most affordable destinations for medical and wellness tourism in the world. 

– The WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine was inaugurated in Gujarat in April 2022. This will be the WHO’s first and only Global Centre for Traditional Medicine.

– Similarly, SCO should also increase cooperation on traditional medicine among them.