SCO Economic and Trade Ministers Meet in Dushanbe

The 25th Meeting of Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states responsible for foreign economic and foreign trade activities was held on 17 September 2026 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The meeting was chaired by Abdurahmon Abdurahmonzoda, Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and Economic Cooperation

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a Eurasian intergovernmental grouping founded in 2001. Its member states include China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Iran. The organisation covers security, economic cooperation, transport connectivity and cultural exchanges.

Key Agenda of the Meeting

Discussions covered the economic situation of SCO member states, sustainable economic growth, macroeconomic stability, trade development, reduction of trade barriers and transport and logistics connectivity. A Joint Statement of the Ministers was adopted during the meeting.

Regulations on the Special Working Group on the Development of the Creative Economy were approved. An Action Plan for 2026–2030 on the Programme of Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation was also agreed upon for submission to the Council of Heads of Government of the SCO Member States.

India and China at the Meeting

India was represented by Shri Yashvir Singh, Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce. He referred to the themes of Security, Connectivity and Opportunity in economic cooperation and called for trade facilitation and digitalisation.

China was represented by Vice Minister of Commerce Ling Ji. He referred to trade optimisation and cooperation in industrial and supply chains under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was established in 2001 and is a Eurasian regional organisation.
• The SCO has 10 member states after the inclusion of Iran in 2023.
• The Council of Heads of Government is one of the key decision-making bodies of the SCO.
• The Belt and Road Initiative was announced by China in 2013.

Preparatory Process and Next Meeting

Preparatory meetings of the Commission of Senior Officials were held online on 25 August 2026 and 11 September 2026 under Tajikistan’s chairmanship. The next meeting of SCO ministers responsible for economic and foreign trade activities is scheduled in Uzbekistan in 2027.