Kazakhstan advocates for expanding trade and economic cooperation within the SCO

The 25th Meeting of Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States Responsible for Foreign Economic and Trade Affairs was held in Dushanbe. Kazakhstan was represented at the meeting by Deputy Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan Asan Darbayev. Participants discussed the development of mutual trade, investment and industrial cooperation, transport and logistics connectivity, trade digitalization, and the improvement of trade procedures. Particular attention was paid to the development of industrial cooperation and regional value chains. Assan Darbayev noted that Kazakhstan views the SCO as an important platform for expanding trade and economic ties and implementing joint projects. He noted that the potential for mutual trade between the organization's countries remains significant. In 2025, Kazakhstan's trade turnover with SCO countries reached $72.5 billion, an increase of 7% year-on-year. From January to June 2026, mutual trade volume amounted to $35.9 billion, a 9.8% increase compared to the same period last year. "In this regard, it is important to continue joint efforts to simplify trade procedures, reduce border transit times, and red...