Post by : Shakul
Kyrgyzstan has furthered its commitment to regional collaboration by attending the 5th Forum of Heads of Regions of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states held in Issyk-Kul. This significant gathering was centered around the theme of “Interregional Partnership in the SCO: 25 Years of Joint Development,” focusing on economic ties and infrastructure growth.
The Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry, Erlist Akunbekov, represented Kyrgyzstan at this important event. During his address, he underscored that the SCO has evolved into a vital platform for political, economic, and regional collaborations over the past quarter-century.
Akunbekov highlighted the crucial role that regions and cities play in fostering enhanced cooperation among SCO member countries. He pointed out that interregional ties have led to improved trade relations, strengthened business networks, and paved the way for collaborative development projects among participating nations.
According to local officials, Kyrgyzstan's trade volume with SCO nations has surged more than 2.2 times in the past four years. They also showcased several integral infrastructure initiatives currently underway, including the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, the Bedel checkpoint on the Kyrgyz-Chinese border, the Barskoon-Bedel highway, and various projects in the energy sector.
These significant infrastructure developments are considered strategically critical not only for Kyrgyzstan but for the entire SCO region. They are anticipated to enhance regional connectivity, fortify transport networks, and foster long-term economic growth in Central Asia and surrounding markets.
The forum attracted distinguished representatives from Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the SCO Secretariat. Attendees engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening investment partnerships, supporting regional growth initiatives, and enhancing economic collaboration among SCO member states.
A number of significant agreements were formalized during the assembly, including a memorandum of cooperation between the Bishkek Free Economic Zone and the Brest Free Economic Zone of Belarus. There was also a new sister city agreement established between Bishkek and Zhengzhou in China, along with several additional cooperation agreements concerning Kyrgyzstan’s Naryn Free Economic Zone.
Kyrgyz officials expressed their dedication to advancing interregional collaboration within the SCO framework, aiming to create new avenues for trade, investment, infrastructural advancement, and sustained regional stability through strengthened alliances with neighboring countries.
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