#China #Uzbekistan #Jizzakh #SCO #Shanghai Cooperation

Celebrating 25 Years of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has reached a significant milestone in its history, marking its 25th anniversary this year. Initially established as a security-focused alliance, the SCO has matured into a comprehensive platform for regional cooperation, with a strong emphasis on economic development and technological innovation. This transformation has been significantly shaped by China’s active role in promoting collaboration among member states.

A New Dawn with Solar Power in Uzbekistan

In the heart of the Jizzakh region of Uzbekistan, a massive solar power plant is revolutionizing the arid landscape of the Gobi Desert. Thousands of photovoltaic panels stretch across the barren land, tapping into the region's abundant sunlight to produce clean energy. The first phase of this solar project, which is built and operated by a Chinese company, recently commenced commercial operations. Once fully operational, it is anticipated to generate an impressive 1.1 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, enough to meet the energy needs of approximately 400,000 residents.

This solar initiative is just one instance of how China and the SCO are now translating cooperative efforts into concrete developmental outcomes. Over the past 25 years, the SCO has shifted from mere security dialogues to prioritizing development, becoming a critical confluence for economic growth across member nations.

China's Leadership in SCO Development

During a pivotal summit attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping—marking the 25th anniversary of the SCO—four key proposals were put forth to underline the importance of cooperative development and shared prosperity among member states. Jinping emphasized the so-called "Shanghai Spirit" which encompasses mutual trust, beneficial collaboration, respect for civilizational diversity, and the pursuit of common progress. These set of values have been paramount in steering the SCO towards intensified trade relations, deeper investment ties, and heightened regional connectivity.

An exemplary project exemplifying the infrastructure collaboration promoted by the SCO is the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. Officially initiated in December 2024, this strategic transit route will enhance trade efficiency between China and Central Asia, as well as the broader Eurasian region, fostering greater economic opportunities.

Moreover, economic cooperation platforms are closing gaps and enhancing exchanges between SCO member states. A recent conference in Bishkek featured over 100 enterprises, resulting in 193 agreements worth around 259 million USD. Another significant initiative was the China-SCO Digital Economy Cooperation Platform, launched last year, which has already facilitated numerous cross-border projects in digital trade and commercial aerospace.

The SCO's development trajectory has evolved from isolated projects to adopting more robust institutional frameworks, creating a pathway towards sustainable, high-quality development across the region. China has emerged as a key proponent of practical cooperation within the SCO. Early in its inception, the country advocated for facilitating trade and investment among members. By 2003, a multi-stage economic cooperation program was enacted, targeting short-term trade facilitation, medium-term norm establishment, and long-term liberalization of goods, capital, services, and technology.

Investments and Future Directions

China's economic contributions to the SCO have been significant, with more than 84 billion USD invested as of July 2025, solidifying its position as the largest source of investment in member states like Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan. At last year's Tianjin summit, China proposed new platforms focused on energy, green industries, and digital economies, leading to the initiation of over 160 cooperative projects in clean energy, digital applications, and talent development.

Experts highlight the pivotal role China plays in fostering the SCO’s growth trajectory. Egor Prokhin, a researcher at the Higher School of Economics in Russia, noted that initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative enhance transportation and trade connectivity among Eurasian countries while also supporting economic growth and improving livelihoods across the board. Such initiatives dovetail harmoniously with the development priorities of SCO members, creating significant opportunities for businesses and delivering tangible benefits for people throughout the region.

Conclusion

As the SCO celebrates its 25-year journey of development, it is poised to continue evolving as a vital cooperative framework that addresses regional challenges and drives sustainable growth. The combined efforts of its member states, especially the leadership of China, indicate a promising horizon for enhanced collaboration, economic integration, and shared prosperity in shaping the future of the Asian and Eurasian landscapes.

For more information, visit the full article on CGTN's website.