Chongqing — At a time when global markets remain volatile, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) stands out as a stabilizing force. Representing over 40% of the world's population and spanning a vast geographic area across Eurasia, SCO member states have become increasingly vital to the global economy.

Under China's rotating chairmanship for 2024–2025, the SCO has placed "action" at the heart of its agenda. More than 100 official events and meetings are scheduled throughout the year, designed to strengthen cooperation across trade, investment, infrastructure, and sustainable development. 

Held recently in Chongqing, the 2025 Chongqing-SCO Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference marked a timely milestone, underscoring the SCO’s growing role in strengthening regional economic resilience.

Representatives from nearly 40 purchasing companies across SCO member and observer states discussed cooperation with Chongqing-based companies. (Photo/CCPIT Chongqing)

More than 200 delegates, including representatives from nearly 40 purchasing companies across SCO member and observer states, such as Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and Mongolia, gathered for the conference. 

They engaged in targeted business negotiations with approximately 180 Chongqing-based enterprises across various sectors, including new energy vehicles, agricultural and electromechanical equipment, food, and modern agribusiness. These industries not only align with the developmental needs of SCO countries but also reflect Chongqing's strategic industrial strengths.

Bridging News noted that the event featured three specialized negotiation zones, focusing on new energy vehicles and auto parts, general and agricultural machinery, and imported goods from SCO countries, which facilitated targeted, one-on-one business matchmaking.

A Russian trade representative informed the reporter that Chongqing's new energy vehicles (NEVs) and electromechanical products are gaining popularity in the Russian market, with new cooperation already underway. A Chongqing-based company also revealed it had reached a preliminary agreement to supply potash fertilizer to a Russian partner and had been invited to explore further collaboration on waste treatment solutions.

According to initial estimates, the event resulted in tentative deals totaling nearly 500 million yuan (approximately $ 70 million), highlighting the growing economic ties between Chongqing and the SCO member states.

Furthermore, several international representatives emphasized the strategic alignment between the SCO's development goals and China's Belt and Road Initiative. 

Both frameworks prioritize regional connectivity, industrial collaboration, and long-term sustainability—an increasingly valuable formula amid ongoing disruptions to global supply chains. 

In this context, cities like Chongqing are emerging as critical links. With its strong manufacturing foundation, comprehensive industrial ecosystem, and role as a logistics hub on the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, Chongqing provides SCO countries with a gateway into China's vast market.

Representatives from SCO member states showcased their characteristic products in Chongqing. (Photo/CCPIT Chongqing)

Despite global tariffs disrupting international economic cooperation, Bakirov Mamasadyk, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic, emphasized that the partnership with China continues to grow, with bilateral trade volume doubling over the past five years.

He attributed this strong relationship to the SCO trade framework, under which there are no barriers or high tariffs between the two countries. He also noted that the organization’s expanding membership has brought tangible benefits to its members.

During his visit to Chongqing, Mamasadyk believed Chongqing's industrial base and technological capabilities align closely with Kyrgyz development priorities.

"We hope to bring more Kyrgyz companies here for procurement," he said. "We also welcome investment from Chongqing enterprises into our country."

To build lasting institutional ties, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Chongqing Committee (CCPIT Chongqing) signed five new memoranda of cooperation with business chambers from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, and Russia (St. Petersburg and Chelyabinsk). With these additions, CCPIT Chongqing's international partnership network now spans over 100 organizations worldwide.