DUSHANBE, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang proposed Friday to enhance multilateral trade cooperation, thereby further tapping on the potentials of common development among the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member countries.

Li made the proposal at the 17th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Tajik capital Dushanbe.

Noting the setbacks of the economic globalization and multilateral trading system, Li said the SCO member countries are faced with new challenges in economic development.

"Practice shows that construction with doors closed can't last long, while promoting development with opening-up is the wiser choice," Li said.

The Chinese premier called on SCO member countries to firmly adhere to free trade and a multilateral trading system, further facilitate liberalization and the facilitation of trade and investment, implement the outline of multilateral trade cooperation, conduct a feasibility study of the SCO Free Trade Area, and gradually establish closer institutional arrangements for regional economic cooperation.

Li said China hopes to expand imports of high-quality agricultural products from SCO member countries and also hopes that more agricultural products with Chinese characteristics could be made available for customers in SCO countries.

Noting that the first China International Import Expo will be held in Shanghai next month, Li extended his warmest welcome to the enterprises from the SOC member countries to attend the expo.