China and SCO nations urge trade cooperation and barrier reduction

During a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for member nations to simplify trade and investment procedures. He emphasized the need to prevent the erection of trade barriers to ensure stable and uninterrupted global supply and production chains.

Experts note that deepening ties between China and Central Asian nations provides significant opportunities for the SCO. Trade volume between China and the five Central Asian countries—Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan—surpassed 100 billion U.S. dollars in 2025.

Strengthening these connections is expected to broaden the SCO's agenda by linking security with economic development, digital transformation, energy, and environmental sustainability. The integration of the Belt and Road Initiative with SCO political platforms is seen as a way to promote infrastructure, investment, and cross-border cooperation.