Kazakhstan advocates for expanding trade and economic cooperation within the SCO

The 25th Meeting of Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States Responsible for Foreign Economic and Trade Affairs was held in Dushanbe. Kazakhstan was represented at the meeting by Deputy Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan Asan Darbayev.

Participants discussed the development of mutual trade, investment and industrial cooperation, transport and logistics connectivity, trade digitalization, and the improvement of trade procedures. Particular attention was paid to the development of industrial cooperation and regional value chains.

Assan Darbayev noted that Kazakhstan views the SCO as an important platform for expanding trade and economic ties and implementing joint projects. He noted that the potential for mutual trade between the organization's countries remains significant.

In 2025, Kazakhstan's trade turnover with SCO countries reached $72.5 billion, an increase of 7% year-on-year. From January to June 2026, mutual trade volume amounted to $35.9 billion, a 9.8% increase compared to the same period last year.

"In this regard, it is important to continue joint efforts to simplify trade procedures, reduce border transit times, and reduce the administrative burden on businesses. This will create more favorable conditions for the further growth of mutual trade," the Vice Minister noted. Kazakhstan also advocated for the further development of paperless and electronic trade, the digitalization of trade procedures, and the mutual recognition of electronic documents. The country is placing particular emphasis on the preparation of an agreement among SCO member states on trade facilitation.

Following the meeting, the participants agreed on an Action Plan for 2026–2030 to implement the Program of Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation of the SCO Member States for subsequent approval at a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the SCO member states. The Regulation on the Special Working Group for the Development of the Creative Economy was also approved.

The next Meeting of SCO Ministers Responsible for Foreign Economic and Trade Activities will be held in 2027 in Uzbekistan.