Mirziyoyev Announces SCO INVEST Forum and Central Asia Transport Integration

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 1 September, in Tianjin, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in an SCO Plus meeting themed “Implementing Multilateralism, Ensuring Regional Security, and Promoting Sustainable Development.”

The event brought together the heads of SCO member states, leaders of its permanent bodies, representatives from observer and partner countries, distinguished guests, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and officials from other international organizations.

In his address, the President of Uzbekistan emphasized that the SCO Plus format reflects the spirit of openness and multilateralism and is increasingly becoming a platform for trust-based dialogue. He noted the symbolism of holding the summit in the year marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, expressed concern over rising global confrontation, and called for the cessation of conflicts, the restoration of trust, peaceful coexistence, and respect for international law. In this context, he supported the initiative of Chinese President Xi Jinping on global governance.

The head of state also addressed the escalation in the Gaza sector, stressing that only a just resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli issue based on the “two states for two peoples” principle can serve as the key to resolving the conflict.

Mirziyoyev highlighted the potential for partnership and practical cooperation within the SCO framework, focusing on the need to strengthen collective efforts to ensure stability and prosperity for member states, particularly in the face of emerging challenges such as climate change, resource shortages, migration crises, cyberattacks, and other threats.

The President welcomed the launch of the Universal Center for Countering Security Threats in Tashkent and the Anti-Narcotics Center in Dushanbe, proposing the first SCO+ Security Dialogue to be held in Uzbekistan next year. He stressed the importance of considering the situation in Afghanistan and developing pragmatic approaches to cooperation with the country.

A key priority identified by the President was the expansion of trade, economic, and investment cooperation within the SCO framework, the removal of barriers, and the development of e-commerce, industrial cooperation, and innovation. In this regard, the annual SCO INVEST investment forum has been initiated, with its first session scheduled to be held in Uzbekistan next year.

Regarding regional transport integration, Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of establishing efficient transport routes in Central Asia, including the construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway with potential connections to the Trans-Afghan corridor.

The President advocated for strengthened partnerships in science, technology, and innovation, highlighting the SCO countries’ potential in artificial intelligence, big data, robotics, bioengineering, and alternative energy. As a practical step, he proposed the creation of a Network of SCO Innovation and Technology Hubs.

In the cultural and humanitarian sphere, Mirziyoyev proposed the establishment of a Great Silk Road Cultural Dialogue to promote cultural diversity and the values of the “SCO family” and invited delegations to participate in upcoming UNESCO General Conference events in Samarkand.

In conclusion, the President of Uzbekistan expressed confidence that the results of the SCO Plus summit will contribute to strengthening stability, expanding multifaceted partnerships, and fostering sustainable development across all member states.