The first economic forum of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization kicked off in Beijing Thursday. This is the first economic forum of the organization since it was founded in 2001. 

Officials say the meeting marks a new era of shifting the agency from security cooperation to economic joint efforts.  Topics include trade, investment and financing. Paricipants discussed several landmark projects, including the free trade area between China and Russia, panda bonds, and energy production.

The forum also aims to promote participation in the China-sponsored belt and road initiative. Think tanks are also at the forum sharing their thoughts. One of the analysts talks about the challenges.