At the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects should be seen beyond narrow political perspectives. He highlighted the crucial role these projects play in fostering economic integration within the region.
Welcoming connectivity initiatives by SCO countries, Shehbaz stressed the importance of establishing a robust SCO connectivity framework. “Such frameworks not only facilitate regional trade but elevate Eurasian connectivity and trade,” he said, urging member states to prioritize collective connectivity capacities to achieve an economically integrated region.
Shehbaz also proposed expanding projects like the International North-South Corridor (INSC), focusing on enhancing road, rail, and digital infrastructure. He urged SCO countries to invest in these areas and avoid political distractions.
Highlighting Pakistan’s contributions during its SCO chairmanship, Shehbaz mentioned several initiatives aimed at fostering economic cooperation, including the SCO Economic Preference Base and the SCO New Economic Dialogue Programme. He advocated for implementing these initiatives through actionable plans to deepen cooperation among member states in trade and economic spheres.
Shehbaz also emphasized the strategic importance of a stable Afghanistan, noting that its socio-economic stability could provide viable trade and transit routes for SCO members. He urged the international community to support Afghanistan while advocating for political inclusivity and counter-terrorism measures by the Afghan interim government.
Additionally, Shehbaz underscored the need for investment in regional infrastructure projects, particularly transport and energy corridors, to drive economic integration. He supported the decisions made by the SCO Council of Heads of State regarding energy cooperation and the establishment of an Association of Investors.
The prime minister called for collaborative efforts to alleviate poverty, emphasizing that close cooperation was necessary given that many of the world’s poorest people reside within SCO borders. Pakistan, as the permanent chair of the SCO’s Special Working Group to Combat Poverty, has spearheaded various seminars and webinars to share knowledge and best practices in poverty alleviation.
Addressing climate change, Shehbaz emphasized the critical need for environmental cooperation within the SCO region. Pakistan, being one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, supports collaboration on environmental protection and looks forward to organizing simulation exercises for SCO countries to enhance disaster management responses.
In his closing remarks, Shehbaz urged the SCO member states to prioritize collaboration over political differences and highlighted the need for reform in international financial structures to promote development and global equity. He concluded by reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to SCO goals and congratulated Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on assuming the chairmanship of the Council.
The summit was attended by leaders from SCO member states, observers, and special guests, and concluded with the signing of key documents aimed at enhancing economic and trade cooperation among member states.
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