Translated with AI
On Wednesday, November 18, a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government and Prime Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states was held in Moscow. Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan Kokhir Rasulzoda participated and spoke , according to NIAT Khovar.
During the meeting, the current state and prospects of cooperation in transport, energy, investment, customs, agriculture, climate change, security, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation were discussed. The parties exchanged views on a wide range of issues related to multilateral cooperation and the implementation of joint projects.
Kokhir Rasulzoda emphasized that Tajikistan views trade and economic ties with SCO member countries as a priority area of foreign economic activity. The Prime Minister noted that despite the influence of external factors, Tajikistan's economy maintains steady growth: its projected growth rate for 2025 is 8.2 percent. Moreover, two-thirds of Tajikistan's foreign trade turnover is with SCO member countries, and this share continues to grow.
During the speech, support was expressed for the initiative to establish a Shanghai Cooperation Organization Development Bank as a key mechanism for financing large-scale joint projects. In the context of improving cross-border transportation, Tajikistan proposed creating a unified SCO digital platform to manage multimodal transportation.
Tajikistan also proposed strengthening cooperation in mining, textiles, food processing, innovation, and green technologies. To improve food security, member countries proposed exploring the possibility of creating regional electronic platforms for agricultural trade.
The Prime Minister also drew attention to the importance of cultural exchange and proposed expanding student exchange programs between SCO countries.
In its address and during bilateral contacts, Tajikistan reaffirmed its commitment to active participation in the Organization's work: in 2025, the Republic will chair the Council of Heads of Government and intends to focus its efforts on strategically updating the SCO's economic agenda, promoting cooperation and development in the region.
Following the meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin received the heads of government and prime ministers of the SCO member states. The meeting discussed further cooperation within the Organization and the results of the meeting of the Heads of Government Council.
