On November 16, 2019, at the headquarters of the Xinjiang Mining Association in Shenzhen City, Urumqi, Zhang Zhimin, Secretary-General of the Xinjiang Mining Association, and Wang Zhouping, President of the Zhejiang Provincial Mining Association, jointly signed a long-term strategic cooperation agreement between the two organizations.

According to the agreement, both parties will closely exchange experiences and cooperate in areas such as industry public administration, member collaboration and services, development of group standards, formulation and implementation of industrial policies, and enhancing the vitality and social responsibility of social organizations. Fully leverage the strengths of the two regions’ respective “Two Sessions,” and in accordance with the principles of complementary advantages, mutual benefit, equal consultation, joint construction and shared benefits, and win-win cooperation, collaboratively establish a shared platform to serve members and enterprises engaged in mining-related activities in Xinjiang and along the Belt and Road Initiative.

The agreement specifies that the two parties have agreed to engage in exchanges and cooperation across the following eight areas: First, exchange and cooperation on the management and operation of mining industry organizations, exploring best practices and innovative approaches in this regard. Second, exchange efforts aimed at fostering better relations between the public and industry regulators, promptly reflecting industry demands, and learning from each other’s strengths to mutually benefit from shared experiences. Third, exchange of experiences regarding self-construction after disengagement from government oversight. Fourth, coordinated planning of Zhejiang-based businesses’ investments in Xinjiang’s mining sector, providing timely updates on policies and regulations, industrial strategies, investment promotion or project information, and project recommendations; as well as organizing professional institutions or experts to address technical challenges encountered by Zhejiang-based businesses during their operations. Fifth, fully leveraging the geographical advantages of the two associations to deepen cooperation and exchanges in both traditional and emerging sectors. Sixth, exchange on the “going global” strategy for the mining industry and... The Belt and Road international cooperation should facilitate meaningful exchanges and include this topic in the scope of regular meetings. Seventh, we should strengthen mediation and arbitration of commercial disputes involving mining enterprises, thereby safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of members of the Two Associations as well as mining enterprises and related entities operating in Xinjiang. Eighth, we should enhance exchanges and cooperation in the fields of professional talent development, vocational education, and professional title evaluation, providing industry support for Zhejiang-based entrepreneurs operating in Xinjiang.

The reporter learned that this is the Two Sessions. Based on the “Memorandum of Understanding on Long-Term Strategic Cooperation” signed in 2013 between the Zhejiang Provincial Mining Association and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Mining Association, a new consensus has been reached through consultation under the new era and new business models. The previously effective areas of cooperation will continue to remain valid in the future.

(Zhang Li, Zou Zhen)

Source of manuscript: Xinjiang Mining Industry Association; Editor: Xinjiang Mining Industry Association