rki.news | Source: Embassy of Uzbekistan in Doha
As the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) marks its 25th anniversary in 2026, Uzbekistan is looking to deepen trade, investment, industrial and transport cooperation, reflecting the growing importance of regional partnerships amid major changes in global supply chains and the world economy.
The SCO, established in 2001 by six countries, has expanded into a major multilateral organization comprising 10 member states, including China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus. It now covers more than 65 percent of Eurasia, with a combined population of around 3.4 billion people and a nominal GDP exceeding $26 trillion.
According to the analysis by Ziyoda Rizaeva of Uzbekistan’s Center for Economic Research and Reforms, the combined economic growth of SCO countries reached around 5 percent in 2025, compared with global growth of 3.4 percent. Between 2015 and 2024, intra-SCO exports increased almost 2.5 times, rising from $271 billion to $674 billion.
For Uzbekistan, the SCO has become an increasingly important platform for expanding economic relations. Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and SCO member states increased 3.1 times from $12.9 billion in 2017 to $40.6 billion in 2025. SCO countries accounted for around half of Uzbekistan’s total foreign trade last year, including 31.5 percent of its exports and 63.3 percent of its imports.
China, Russia and Kazakhstan remain Uzbekistan’s largest SCO trading partners. In 2025, trade with China reached $17.2 billion, followed by Russia at $13 billion and Kazakhstan at $5 billion. Together, the three countries accounted for about 87 percent of Uzbekistan’s trade with SCO members.
Uzbekistan’s major exports to SCO markets include fruit and vegetables, food products, textiles, electrical goods and automotive products, while imports mainly consist of machinery, equipment, industrial goods, raw materials and food products.
Investment and industrial cooperation are also expanding. In 2025, Uzbekistan attracted $33.5 billion in foreign investment and loans in fixed capital, with manufacturing accounting for the largest share. Investment from SCO member states reached $17.5 billion, led by China with $13 billion and Russia with $2.6 billion.
At the 2025 SCO Tianjin Summit, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev identified trade facilitation, harmonization of standards, development of production and logistics chains and promotion of mutual investment as key priorities. He also proposed an annual “SCO Invest” Investment Forum to strengthen direct business dialogue.
The proposal received practical follow-up in 2026 when the SCO Investment and Business Forum was held in Bishkek, focusing on investment, trade, industrial and technological cooperation, the digital economy, artificial intelligence, e-commerce and new industrialization.
Transport connectivity remains another major priority for Uzbekistan. International freight transportation with SCO member states increased by 40 percent over the past five years, reaching 33.5 million tonnes in 2025. SCO countries now account for around 80 percent of Uzbekistan’s international freight transport, while the volume could rise to 47 million tonnes by 2030.
The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, construction of which began in December 2024, is expected to create a shorter route between East Asia, the Middle East and Southern Europe. It could reduce distances by around 900 kilometres and delivery times by seven to eight days, with potential annual freight volumes estimated at 12 to 15 million tonnes.
Another strategic project is the proposed Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway. Linking the two rail projects could eventually establish a continuous route from China through Central Asia and Afghanistan to Pakistan and the ports of the Indian Ocean.
Economic cooperation is also expanding into new areas, including technology, innovation, energy, environmental protection, agriculture, tourism and education. Uzbekistan has proposed an SCO Network of Innovation and Technology Hubs, a Regional Center for Critical Materials, an SCO Energy Consortium and a network of venture companies and funds to support innovative projects.
Environmental cooperation has particular significance for Central Asia. More than 80 monitoring stations have been deployed in the Aral Sea region through regional cooperation, supporting research on ecosystems, water resources, salt and dust storms and restoration of saline lands.
Tourism and humanitarian cooperation are also gaining momentum. Uzbekistan has proposed an SCO Tourism Corridor and a Medical Tourism Alliance, while initiatives are under consideration to strengthen the SCO University partner network and promote cultural dialogue along the Great Silk Road.
A major milestone was reached at the 2025 Tianjin Summit with the adoption of the SCO Development Strategy through 2035 and the decision to establish the SCO Development Bank, expected to support regional infrastructure and investment projects.
As the organization prepares for the anniversary Bishkek Summit under the motto “25 Years of the SCO: Together Towards Sustainable Peace, Development and Prosperity,” the focus will increasingly be on translating agreements into practical projects.
For Uzbekistan, deeper SCO cooperation offers opportunities to diversify investment sources, expand industrial partnerships, attract advanced technologies and reach new markets. The next stage of cooperation will depend on how effectively member states transform their shared initiatives into sustainable economic projects and mechanisms for long-term regional development.