The SCO aims to increase the economic development of its member states on the basis of equal partnerships. One project created by two member states – China and Kazakhstan is a perfect example of mutual benefits through strong cooperation; the Atasu – Alashankou Pipeline. CGTN's Michal Bardavid reports from the Kazakh side of the oil pipeline.

The Atasu-Alashankou oil pipeline is a mega energy project – one created together by the Chinese and Kazakh governments and launched in 2004. President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev called it the "pinnacle of investment" between the two countries as they are equal partners in the project. It cost over 1 billion dollars and is Kazakhstan's first export pipeline with direct access to a foreign country. It is also used to transit Russian gas.

MICHAL BARDAVID NORTHERN KAZAKHSTAN "This is the 8th pump station of the Atasu – Alashankou pipeline, the oil from Western Kazakhstan is first transferred into these pipes. It goes through these filters up into the massive pumps inside these buildings before they head to the underground pipeline that transfers it all the way to China."

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, known as SCO aims to improve the standard of living of the people of the members States, the Atasu Alashankou pipeline seems to have done so for many Kazakh citizens.

ALEN TANATAROV KAZAKHSTAN CHINA PIPELINE, GENERAL DIRECTOR "This project has a great opportunity for the people living in the villages, living in the small towns to be employed, to find jobs. And for the young people to start their career in the oil and gas sector which is one of the leading sectors in Kazakhstan."

Through an equal partnership, the pipeline project seems to have also strengthened Chinese-Kazakh relations.

ALEN TANATAROV KAZAKHSTAN CHINA PIPELINE, GENERAL DIRECTOR "The phrase that comes to mind is a mutually enriching experience. Not only do we benefit from each other professionally, but also we benefit through personal relationship. Knowing each other's culture, knowing each other's way of living."

Many experts believe projects such as this pipeline has increased interest in taking part in China's One Belt One Road initiative that focuses on connectivity.

ROUSLAN IZIMOV INSTITUTE OF WORLD ECONOMICS AND POLITICS, CHINA EXPERT "There is a widespread trend to develop the relations with China. Many countries, even at the South of Europe, the UK, such big countries are also trying to fit in the chain of the Silk Road and Belt and Road initiative."

In 2017, over twelve million tons of oil was transported through this pipeline, yet the Kazakh and Chinese governments hope to reach closer to the maximum capacity of 20 million tons in the upcoming years. Michal Bardavid, CGTN, in Northern Kazakhstan.