Strengthen regional connectivity within the SCO to unlock new opportunities

Editor's note: Xue Tianhang is an Associate Researcher at the Institute for National Strategy and Regional Development, Zhejiang University. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN. It has been translated from Chinese and edited for brevity and clarity.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is the world's largest regional international organization in terms of geographical coverage and population. Since its establishment in 2001, guided by the "Shanghai Spirit"—mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations, and pursuit of common development—the SCO has been steadily improving its cooperation mechanisms and expanding its global reach. According to the latest statistics from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the number of SCO member states has grown from the original five to ten, now representing nearly half of the global population and about a quarter of the world's GDP. Additionally, the SCO includes two observer states and 14 dialogue partners.

The SCO's experience: To get rich, build roads first

Thanks to the smooth cooperation mechanisms of the SCO, infrastructure connectivity among member states has deepened, with flagship projects being implemented. A comprehensive network of highways, railways, and oil & gas pipelines has taken initial shape, injecting strong momentum into regional economic development. In 2024, the China-Europe Railway Express, which passes through SCO countries and regions, recorded 19,000 trips, marking a 10.7 percent year-on-year increase. 

Since its completion in 2018, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan(CKU) International Highway has emerged as a vital road corridor linking the Tarim Basin in Xinjiang with the Amu Darya River basin in Central Asia. According to data released by China Pictorial, the CKU International Highway has reduced freight costs by $300-500 per ton compared to pre-opening levels. The CKU International Highway has significantly boosted trade among the three countries. In 2018, China's trade volume with Uzbekistan stood at $6.26 billion and with Kyrgyzstan at $2 billion. By 2024, these figures surged to $13.78 billion and $22.71 billion, respectively. 

The remarkable growth in trade among the three nations has created regional employment opportunities and delivered tangible benefits to the people. The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway project was officially launched in December 2024 and has now entered the substantive construction phase. Upon completion, this strategic corridor will significantly reduce trade distances, lower logistics costs, and substantially enhance regional economic and trade connectivity.

The opening of the CKU International Highway epitomizes the deepening regional cooperation within the SCO framework. According to the latest statistics from the China's General Administration of Customs and the country's Ministry of Commerce, China's trade volume with SCO member states, observer countries and dialogue partners reached a record high of $890 billion in 2024, accounting for approximately 14.4 percent of China's total foreign trade. By the end of 2024, China's cumulative investment in SCO member states, observer countries and dialogue partners had exceeded $140 billion, while newly signed contracts for contracted projects surpassed $1 trillion with completed turnover exceeding $680 billion. 

The organization's future success depends on deeper cooperation and greater achievements

With the continuous improvement of the SCO cooperation mechanisms and its growing influence, member states are poised to unlock broader prospects for economic development. As Julio Ríos, a Spanish expert on Chinese affairs, noted in his article, China has positioned the Belt and Road Initiative as a key driver for enhancing cooperation with SCO countries, achieving significant results in infrastructure development, trade facilitation, and financial connectivity.

At present, regional conflicts are intensifying globally, economic uncertainties are growing, and livelihood issues in some countries have become more pronounced-posing new challenges to economic cooperation within the SCO region. Facing this complex and volatile international landscape, the SCO must maintain strategic clarity, strengthen confidence, act decisively, and deliver greater results. SCO member states should join hands to overcome difficulties together, injecting more stability and positive dynamism into the world.