BISHKEK - Kyrgyzstan is strengthening economic integration with SCO countries through the development of transport corridors, expanded trade, and interregional cooperation, Deputy Prime Minister Erlist Akunbekov said at the 5th Forum of Regional Leaders of SCO Member States, Economist.kg reports.
According to him, Kyrgyzstan's trade turnover with SCO countries has increased 2.2-fold over the past four years. Akunbekov noted that over the past quarter century, the SCO has become one of the largest cooperation platforms in Eurasia, where regions and cities become the foundation for practical interaction between states.
He emphasized that Kyrgyzstan attaches particular importance to the implementation of major infrastructure projects that can strengthen regional connectivity. Key initiatives include the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, the opening of the new Bedel border crossing point on the Kyrgyz-Chinese border, the Barskoon-Bedel highway, and a number of energy projects.
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, these initiatives are of strategic importance not only for Kyrgyzstan but for the entire SCO region. He also called on forum participants to more actively pursue joint projects and expand mutually beneficial cooperation.
Akunbekov also noted that in August 2026, Kyrgyzstan will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, which will be one of the country's major international events and an additional impetus for strengthening political and economic ties within the organization.
Following the forum, a number of agreements were signed. In particular, Bishkek and Zhengzhou, China, established sister city relations, and the free economic zones of Kyrgyzstan and Belarus agreed to cooperate.
The forum brought together delegations from SCO countries, including China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, India, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Belarus. Participants focused on investment, transport connectivity, and sustainable regional development.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
May 28, 2026