Why is this important
Connecting the two strategic routes will transform Central Asia into a key transit hub of the SCO, opening a direct route to the ports of South Asia. This will reduce logistics costs and accelerate trade turnover.
What happened
Mirziyoyev proposed to the SCO countries:
- eliminate trade barriers and bring standards closer together;
- stimulate industrial cooperation and innovation;
- The initiative to hold the annual “SCO Invest” investment forum was voiced — the first is planned for 2026 in Uzbekistan;
- The President emphasized the importance of creating a unified transport network in the SCO space;
- In the future, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway will be connected to the Trans-Afghan corridor;
- In the technological sphere, Mirziyoyev proposed creating a network of SCO innovation and technology hubs for knowledge exchange and technology transfer.
What they say
Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan:
The connection of the China — Kyrgyzstan — Uzbekistan route with the Trans-Afghan corridor will contribute to the formation of a unified transport network of the SCO.
Context
The SCO countries are boosting transport projects to lessen reliance on traditional routes through Russia. The Trans-Afghan corridor is seen as an alternative route to access India and the Persian Gulf countries.
