SCO Business Council Board Meets in Bishkek on 25th Anniversary

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A regular meeting of the Board of the Business Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was held in Bishkek. Alisher Shaikhkov, the advisor to the chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan, attended the large-scale event, which was timed to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the founding of the SCO.

Participants in the meeting emphasized that the anniversary forum has become an influential platform for direct multilateral dialogue aimed at long-term strengthening and synergy of the combined economic potential of the member states. Today, the organization's space unites almost half of the world's population and accumulates colossal investment, natural, and human resources.

The main block of discussions during the meeting was dedicated to practical mechanisms for expanding trade and economic cooperation and removing barriers to the free movement of capital. Members of the Board reviewed a portfolio of joint interregional projects, algorithms for supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and ways to intensify direct contacts between the business communities of the SCO countries. Special emphasis was placed on the need for the accelerated creation of joint production chains with high added value.

A significant part of the agenda was an in-depth exchange of views on modernizing the technological structure of national economies. The sides coordinated their positions on matters regarding the joint development of the digital industry, technology transfer in artificial intelligence, standardization of e-commerce, and promotion of the principles of a green economy.

In the context of the global energy transition, the delegates discussed projects in the field of traditional and alternative energy. Special attention was paid to the creation of an expanded and cross-border transport and logistics infrastructure capable of fundamentally increasing transport connectivity and accelerating cargo delivery along key regional corridors.

The official ceremony for presenting jubilee medals, established to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, formed the ceremonial part of the international forum. The prestigious awards were given to statesmen, diplomats, and representatives of business structures who made the most significant contributions to the diversification of economic ties and the successful implementation of strategic initiatives across the SCO space.

Summarizing the results of the meeting, the participants confirmed that the transition to practical project cooperation and the launch of major infrastructure facilities will become the main drivers for ensuring sustainable and inclusive economic growth for all countries in the macro-region.