The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, held in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1, underscored Uzbekistan’s growing role in shaping Central Asia’s strategic landscape and global influence, as reported by Day.Az. President Shavkat Mirziyoev emphasized Tashkent’s proactive stance, proposing initiatives to deepen economic ties, enhance transport and logistics infrastructure, and strengthen regional security.
The SCO, comprising nine member states, three observer states, and 14 dialogue partners, accounts for roughly one-third of global GDP and 20% of international trade. As a founding member, Uzbekistan has emerged as a key driver of strategic projects within the SCO, promoting regional economic integration, new transport corridors, and platforms for investment and technological collaboration.
A major focus was the development of transformative transport projects, particularly the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, which will serve as the shortest land route from China to Central and South Asia via the Trans-Afghan Corridor. This project is expected to generate up to $200 million annually in transit revenue for Uzbekistan, significantly reducing delivery times from 45–70 days, lowering business costs, and boosting the competitiveness of regional products on global markets. Mirziyoev stated, “Creating efficient transport routes to connect with global corridors is vital. The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, linked with the Trans-Afghan Corridor, will form a unified SCO transport network.”
These initiatives carry both economic and geopolitical significance, fostering regional interdependence, reducing conflict risks over transit routes, and opening access to Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean ports. Mirziyoev highlighted opportunities to align the SCO’s “Unified Transport Space” with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, emphasizing multimodal networks, digital platforms, and green corridors.
Economically, Uzbekistan proposed new multilateral platforms, including an SCO Regional Center for Critical Materials, an Energy Consortium for green energy, a network of venture firms and funds for innovation, and an e-portal to facilitate business connections and attract investment. These efforts aim to strengthen supply chains, encourage mutual investments, and enhance regional technological independence. Uzbekistan’s financial commitment, including its stake in the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, reflects its dedication to these strategic goals, positioning the country as a key transport and investment hub in Central Asia.
Security remains a cornerstone of Uzbekistan’s strategy. Proposals to revive the SCO Interior Ministers’ Meeting, revise crime-fighting agreements, and develop a drug prevention program through 2030 aim to ensure comprehensive stability. Reactivating the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group and integrating Afghanistan into constructive dialogue were also prioritized to mitigate regional instability. Uzbekistan’s push for an SCO Nuclear Security Declaration enhances global trust and supports non-proliferation efforts.
President Mirziyoev’s proposal to grant Afghanistan observer status within the SCO garnered widespread support, reflecting Uzbekistan’s commitment to long-term regional stability. He stated, “The SCO’s success lies in its openness and focus on broad cooperation. We support states aspiring to join the SCO, and expanding dialogue partners, including from other regions, will transform the organization into a platform for collaboration with the Global South.”
The summit’s outcomes, including the Tianjin Declaration and the SCO Development Strategy to 2035, lay the groundwork for stronger cooperation. Uzbekistan’s leadership in driving economic, transport, and technological initiatives positions it as a central hub in Central Asia, enhancing regional competitiveness and partnerships.
https://news.day.az/economy/1778255.html