25th Meeting of SCO Ministers Responsible for Economic and Foreign Trade Activities Held in Tajikistan

Key Highlights:

• The 25th Meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Ministers for Economic and Foreign Trade Activities was held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on September 17, 2026.
• India emphasized the vision of Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity for enhancing economic cooperation within the SCO.
• Ministers adopted a joint statement and agreed on an Action Plan for 2026–2030 for multilateral trade and economic cooperation.
• Regulations on the Special Working Group on the Development of the Creative Economy were approved.

Detailed Insights:

• The meeting reviewed existing cooperation and discussed measures to deepen trade and economic ties among SCO Member States.
• India highlighted the need for increased intra-SCO trade, reduced trade costs, and resilient supply chains.
• India advocated for trade facilitation and digitalization, including simplified customs and paperless trade, to cut costs and transit times.
• Cooperation was urged for diversifying and strengthening supply chains in strategic sectors like agriculture, critical minerals, and pharmaceuticals.
• India also stressed enhanced cooperation in energy security, renewable energy, and green hydrogen.
• The role of digital payments and accessible trade finance for MSMEs and start-ups was underscored to boost regional trade.
• India reiterated its commitment to an open, inclusive, and rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core.
• The Action Plan will be submitted for further approval by the Council of Heads of Government of SCO Member States.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO): An intergovernmental organization focused on security, economic, and political cooperation in Eurasia.
• Multilateral Trading System: A global framework of rules and agreements governing international trade among multiple countries.
• Global Value Chains (GVCs): International networks where different stages of a product's production process are carried out in various countries.