The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), spanning nearly half of the global population, is accelerating regional connectivity through landmark infrastructure projects. Guided by the 'Shanghai Spirit' of mutual trust and shared development, the bloc has expanded to 10 member states, two observers, and 14 dialogue partners since 2001, becoming a cornerstone of Eurasian cooperation.
Railways and Highways Reshape Trade
The China-Europe Railway Express recorded 19,000 trips in 2024 through SCO regions, a 10.7% annual increase. Meanwhile, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) International Highway – operational since 2018 – has slashed freight costs by $300-500 per ton. This corridor helped boost China-Uzbekistan trade from $6.26 billion to $13.78 billion, and China-Kyrgyzstan trade from $2 billion to $22.71 billion between 2018 and 2024.
December 2024 marked the launch of the CKU Railway, now under construction. This 500km route through the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region will further reduce transit times, strengthening supply chains across the energy-rich Eurasian heartland.
Economic Ripple Effects
These projects have created thousands of regional jobs while improving access to agricultural and energy markets. SCO Secretary-General Zhang Ming notes: 'Infrastructure isn't just concrete and steel – it's the foundation for shared prosperity.' Analysts predict the initiatives could increase intra-SCO trade by 18-22% by 2030.
