The 25th Meeting of Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States responsible for foreign economic and trade activities was held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on September 17, bringing together member countries to discuss ways to strengthen trade and economic cooperation within the regional grouping.
The meeting reviewed the progress of ongoing economic and trade initiatives among SCO members and provided an opportunity for participating countries to exchange views on measures aimed at expanding commercial ties, improving trade efficiency and creating stronger economic linkages.
Representing India, Shri Yashvir Singh highlighted the considerable economic opportunities available within the SCO framework. He stressed the need to convert the region’s economic potential into practical outcomes by increasing intra-SCO trade, reducing trade-related costs, strengthening supply chains and improving connectivity among member countries.
India referred to the vision outlined by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the SCO Summit in Bishkek, centred on the three pillars of Security, Connectivity and Opportunity. India emphasised that these principles also have an important economic dimension, particularly in building resilient supply chains, establishing efficient and trusted connectivity networks and creating greater opportunities for businesses through improved market access.
During the discussions, India placed particular emphasis on trade facilitation and digitalisation as key tools for reducing the time and expense involved in cross-border commerce. India called for simpler customs procedures, increased adoption of paperless trade and wider use of electronic document exchanges.
India also highlighted the importance of improving multimodal connectivity and reducing transit times to facilitate the movement of goods across the SCO region. Better transport and logistics links, it noted, can contribute to smoother trade flows and help businesses access regional markets more efficiently.
Another key area highlighted by India was cooperation to diversify and reinforce supply chains in strategic and emerging sectors. These included agriculture, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and electronics. India also identified opportunities for closer collaboration in energy security, renewable energy and green hydrogen as areas with potential to contribute to long-term economic resilience.
The participation of smaller enterprises in international commerce also featured prominently in India’s intervention. India underlined the importance of enabling micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups to participate more effectively in regional and global trade.
In this regard, India highlighted the potential of digital payments and cross-border payment mechanisms, along with improved access to trade finance. Such measures can help reduce barriers faced by smaller businesses and support their integration into international markets.
India further called for greater participation of SCO economies in global value chains. It reiterated its support for an open, inclusive and rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) continuing to play a central role.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Ministers adopted the Statement of the Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States Responsible for Foreign Economic and Foreign Trade Activity.
The Ministers also agreed on an Action Plan for 2026–2030 for implementing the Programme of Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation of SCO Member States. The action plan will be submitted for further approval by the Council of Heads of Government, comprising the Prime Ministers of SCO member countries.
In another decision, the Ministers approved regulations governing a special SCO working group focused on the development of the creative economy. The initiative is intended to provide a framework for further cooperation among member states in this emerging economic area.
The meeting also took note of updates from the SCO Business Council regarding its activities and information provided by Tajikistan concerning the work of the SCO Consortium of Economic Analytical Centres.
The Ministers agreed that the next meeting of ministers responsible for foreign economic and trade activities will be convened in Uzbekistan in 2027, continuing the SCO’s efforts to strengthen economic and trade cooperation among its member states.
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Author: Shivam
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