On 12 July 2024, Qingdao hosted a conference focused on the book publishing industry of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation countries. The event took place in the pilot zone of the China-SCO regional trade and economic cooperation area.

The conference was organised by Qingdao Citymedia in cooperation with the China Publishing Group. It featured representatives from book publishing companies in the Republic of Kazakhstan, the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, and the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Qingdao's Vice Mayor Zhao Yan, Chair of the Board of Directors of Qingdao Citymedia Jia Qingpeng, and SCO Deputy Secretary- General Oleg Kopylov spoke at the opening ceremony.

The speakers underscored the significance of fostering international cooperation in cultural and humanitarian spheres, particularly in education and promoting a love for reading. They outlined key priorities and prospects for collaboration among the SCO member countries in the publishing industry and related fields.

The establishment of a Committee for the Creation of the Union of the Publishing Industry of the SCO Countries was announced. The event also saw the ceremonial launch of several joint projects, including the development of the Database of UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage Sites in SCO Countries, and the publication of book series such as The Remarkable Traditional Culture of China, Catalogue of World Heritage Monuments of SCO Countries, History of Science and Technology in China, and Classical Literature of Russia.

Additionally, an exhibition of literature produced by the publishing houses of the SCO member states and partners was displayed in the conference centre of the pilot zone.