# SCO economic and regional integration efforts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sco-economic-and-regional-integration-efforts
> Updated: 2026-10-20T14:43:59.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has emphasized the strategic importance of regional connectivity and trade cooperation. In Xinjiang, China, the region is being positioned as a critical Eurasian gateway and a central hub for the Belt and Road Initiative, supported by infrastructure such as the Khorgos Gate and expanded rail and logistics networks.

Building on this regional importance, during a Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for member nations to simplify investment procedures and reduce trade barriers to maintain stable global supply chains. Efforts to deepen ties between China and Central Asian nations aim to integrate security with economic development, digital transformation, and energy sustainability.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-20: China and SCO nations urge trade cooperation and barrier reduction

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for SCO nations to reduce trade barriers and simplify investment procedures to stabilize global supply chains during a meeting in Tajikistan.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-and-sco-nations-urge-trade-cooperation-and-barrier-reduction

### 2026-10-04: Xinjiang emerges as critical Eurasian gateway for SCO

SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev met with officials in Xinjiang, highlighting the region's role as a critical Eurasian gateway and a major hub for the Belt and Road Initiative.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/xinjiang-emerges-as-critical-eurasian-gateway-for-sco

---
Cite as: SCO economic and regional integration efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sco-economic-and-regional-integration-efforts