Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan has proposed developing a long-term strategy for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) through 2040, drawing up an industrial cooperation map for member states and turning the SCO-Invest business forum into a permanent platform. Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov presented the initiatives at a meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Dushanbe on 20 October.
Uzbekistan also invited SCO member states to participate in a forum on artificial intelligence and new digital solutions planned for Tashkent in 2027. In addition, Tashkent proposed establishing a multilingual SCO data corpus and a coordination mechanism for food, water and energy security.
The meeting in the Tajik capital brought together heads of government and representatives of SCO member states, as well as Mongolia and Turkmenistan. The discussions were held in both restricted and expanded formats.
SCO-2040 and industrial cooperation
Aripov said that over its 25 years of existence, the SCO had expanded its membership and strengthened its position as a framework for multilateral cooperation. Further development of the organisation, however, requires closer practical engagement and the implementation of joint projects.
The proposed SCO-2040 concept is intended to establish an interconnected, open and sustainable space for shared development. According to the prime minister, cooperation should help member states make fuller use of their human, natural, industrial and intellectual potential.
Industrial cooperation and investment are another focus of Uzbekistan’s proposals. The country called for an industrial cooperation map covering SCO member states to support cross-border production chains and increase added value.
Aripov also urged the member states to accelerate approval of the founding documents for the SCO Development Bank and begin launching its operations. The bank is expected to expand financing opportunities for priority projects in transport, energy, industry and digital infrastructure.
Uzbekistan also proposed making the SCO-Invest forum, held as part of the Tashkent International Investment Forum, a permanent platform. The country expressed readiness to host the next forum in 2027.
Cooperation in technology and security
Tashkent’s priorities include expanding cooperation in science, technology and innovation, including joint research, technology exchange and artificial intelligence development. In this context, Aripov invited SCO participants to attend the forum on AI and new digital solutions in Tashkent in 2027.
Another initiative calls for launching a technological cooperation programme on water and energy efficiency by 2035.
Uzbekistan also proposed establishing an SCO coordination mechanism for food, water and energy security. In addition, the organisation plans to develop an open multilingual data corpus.
Humanitarian agenda and chairmanship
In his address, the prime minister highlighted the importance of cultural and humanitarian cooperation and preserving the cultural diversity of the peoples of SCO member states.
Uzbekistan proposed adopting a joint programme for the preservation of traditional arts and intangible cultural heritage for 2028–2030.
At the close of the meeting, Aripov wished Pakistan success in carrying out its SCO chairmanship and invited his counterparts to attend the next meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Uzbekistan in 2027.
Uzbekistan has assumed the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, Tajikistan’s Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda announced at the meeting in Dushanbe.