Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) members to deepen trade cooperation and regional integration, putting resilient transport links on the agenda at an Oct. 20 meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
China’s Foreign Ministry said Li called for stable, resilient international transport corridors and protection for global industrial and supply chains. He also urged members to strengthen economic integration across the region, tying cooperation in trade to the links that support production and supply.
Li said members could cooperate by drawing on their complementary strengths. He cited rising global uncertainty and urged governments to find common ground and build consensus as they work through differences.
Anadolu Agency reported that Li described multipolarity and economic globalization as continuing global trends amid competition among international ideas. He urged the bloc to uphold the Shanghai Spirit, attract more international partners and take an active global role, the agency reported. Founded in 2001, the SCO now includes 10 countries — Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, Anadolu Agency said.
Li said China was willing to fund advanced training in China for 1,000 medical personnel from SCO countries.
India’s Ministry of Defence said members adopted a trade and economic cooperation action plan for 2026 through 2030. The SCO said the council also signed decisions covering industry and transport. Anadolu Agency reported that leaders also issued a joint communiqué and approved documents on connectivity, investment, trade, industry and the SCO’s development.
The Council of Heads of Government handles the SCO budget and major practical cooperation issues, particularly economic matters, according to earlier EconoTimes coverage. EconoTimes previously reported that the council last met in Moscow on Nov. 18, 2025. The SCO said Uzbekistan will host its next meeting in 2027.
