Tokayev proposes launching SCO cross-border trade zones

Tengrinews.kz – Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in a meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states.
The President of Kazakhstan particularly noted Kyrgyzstan’s successful chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. It should be noted that today’s meeting is taking place in Bishkek.
Photo by the Akorda press service
During his speech, the President of Kazakhstan outlined several key areas that are of particular importance for all countries of the Shanghai Ten.
He also believes that expanding trade, economic and investment partnership is of strategic importance. According to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, through joint efforts, mutual trade turnover among SCO countries is steadily approaching one trillion dollars.

“However, in our view, economic interconnectedness does not yet fully correspond to the existing opportunities. It is important to make maximum use of the resource, production and technological potential of the SCO member states, create new points of growth and sustainable business ties. Kazakhstan supports the formation of a broad SCO trade and investment space with minimal barriers, digital procedures and developed transport and logistics connectivity. We believe it is important to move from agreements to specific initiatives. We propose introducing a mechanism of pilot industrial consortia, which would allow states to implement projects as they become ready for them, without waiting for all participants to join. Successful initiatives could then be scaled across the entire organization,” the Head of State said.

Photo by the Akorda press service
According to the President, the launch of SCO cross-border trade zones based on existing border cooperation centers could be an important step.

“This would make it possible to test simplified trade, digital procedures and modern mutual settlement mechanisms. A separate priority is the formation of a full-fledged investment framework. Kazakhstan supports China’s initiative to create an SCO Development Bank. We believe it would be appropriate to direct the bank’s resources primarily toward infrastructure, technological and industrial projects. And, if there is consensus among the member states, Kazakhstan could host this institution, its headquarters,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

Photo by the Akorda press service
He also proposed accelerating the creation of a modern transport and logistics framework for Eurasia. According to the President of Kazakhstan, the geographical connectivity of states is a strategic advantage of the SCO.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is an international organization founded in 2001 by the leaders of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan later joined the organization.
The Republic of Belarus has participated in the SCO since 2010 as a dialogue partner, since 2015 as an observer, and since 2024 as a full member of the organization.