Connecting Economies: A Call for Integrated Growth in the SCO Region:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the 23rd meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) this week, emphasizing the critical role of a robust SCO in achieving sustainable development in the region. He underscored the importance of advancing a shared vision for an economically integrated area, advocating for investments in connectivity projects that transcend political considerations.
In his National Statement, the Prime Minister stated, “Pakistan firmly believes that a stronger, more effective SCO is essential to achieving sustainable development in our region. We must approach connectivity initiatives without the constraints of political agendas, focusing instead on enhancing our collective capacities.” He urged member states to collaborate towards building a well-integrated, prosperous region that would benefit all involved.
Sharif welcomed participating leaders for a group photo and highlighted the diverse collaborative efforts of the SCO, spanning areas such as academic exchanges, tourism, poverty alleviation, and the empowerment of women and youth. These initiatives reflect a collective determination to promote prosperity through unity.
Attendees at the summit included prominent leaders such as China’s Premier Li Qiang, Belarus’s Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko, Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Russia’s Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Tajikistan’s Prime Minister Kohir Rasulzoda, Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Kyrgyzstan’s Chairman of the Ministers’ Cabinet Zhaparov Akylbek, Iran’s Trade Minister Seyyed Mohammad Atabek, and India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Additionally, Mongolia participated as an Observer State, represented by Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, while Turkmenistan attended as a Special Guest with Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Rashid Meredov.
Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed support for ongoing SCO reforms aimed at modernizing the organization and enhancing the capabilities of the SCO Secretariat and the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure. He reminded attendees that the essence of the SCO transcends mere political alliances and economic partnerships; it lies in the rich tapestry of cultures and the diversity of its people.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to fostering people-to-people ties and cultural exchanges that help bridge divides and cultivate mutual understanding. “In unity and with shared purpose, we can build lasting legacies and enrich the future of all our nations,” he remarked.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s role as the chair of the SCO CHG last year, Sharif reaffirmed the nation’s dedication to regional peace, stability, enhanced connectivity, and sustainable socio-economic development as fundamental to the SCO’s progress. He noted that the joint communique from the meeting exemplified a shared commitment to fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth while leveraging enhanced connectivity and green development strategies.
Highlighting several initiatives launched during Pakistan’s Chairmanship, he mentioned the SCO Economic Preference Base, increased cooperation among Trade Promotion Organizations, the Creative Economy framework, and the SCO New Economic Dialogue Program. “These initiatives chart a promising course,” he said, “but we must now transition to tangible actions through coordinated implementation to strengthen our cooperation in vital sectors such as trade and economy.”
Addressing the situation in Afghanistan, the Prime Minister pointed out that the country presents invaluable opportunities for trade and transit that could benefit all SCO member states. He stressed that a stable Afghanistan is essential for fully realizing these opportunities and called on the international community to provide urgent humanitarian support. He also urged the Afghan interim government to pursue political inclusivity and ensure that Afghan territory is not exploited for terrorism against neighboring nations.
Sharif emphasized the importance of investing in regional infrastructure—particularly in transport and energy—as indispensable for advancing economic integration. While supporting all SCO connectivity initiatives, he highlighted the need for a robust SCO connectivity framework that would not only enhance regional trade but also advance the vision of a connected Eurasia.
He called for the expansion of flagship projects like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), focusing on developing road, rail, and digital infrastructure to foster integration and cooperation across the region.
The Prime Minister also addressed the issue of poverty, assuring that Pakistan is committed to providing the necessary impetus to collective efforts aimed at addressing its root causes and improving the quality of life for all citizens.
On climate change, he described it as an “existential crisis” that transcends national borders, citing the devastating impact of the 2022 floods, which resulted in an economic loss of approximately $30 billion. He stressed the need for prioritizing environmental cooperation within the SCO to build resilience and secure a sustainable future for future generations.
Furthermore, Sharif condemned unilateral coercive measures and protectionist policies that contradict international law, arguing that they stifle economic growth, hinder technological advancement, and exacerbate inequality. He advocated for reforms in the global financial architecture and trade regimes to foster equitable global development.
In closing, he encouraged leaders to motivate their private sectors to create a conducive environment for business and investment within the SCO region. He praised the Pakistan Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry for its collaborative efforts with SCO External Ministers in Islamabad, facilitating productive dialogues that strengthen economic ties. He emphasized the importance of nurturing such initiatives to deepen economic cooperation and drive regional prosperity, commending the platforms provided by the SCO Interbank Union and the SCO Consortium of Economic Analytic Think Tanks for addressing banking challenges and conducting research on economic and trade dynamics.