Four trucks laden with medical supplies embarked on a historic journey from Qingdao to Tashkent in August 2024, inaugurating the first TIR international road transport route between China's SCO Demonstration Area (SCODA) and Uzbekistan. This milestone underscores the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's growing role in streamlining cross-border trade across Eurasia.
The TIR system, which simplifies customs procedures, has already enabled 500 vehicles to transport $47.5 million worth of goods through four operational routes connecting China with Russia, Central Asia, and Belarus. These corridors now carry over 40 product categories – from electronics to pharmaceuticals – reflecting deepening economic integration.
Beyond Borders: Trade and Trust Building
China's 2024 SCO chairmanship has yielded tangible results: bilateral trade with member states reached $512.54 billion, while over 100 initiatives – from anti-terrorism councils to ice hockey championships – have strengthened multilateral ties. The 'SCO in Action' agenda prioritizes both economic pragmatism and cultural connectivity.
Tianjin Summit Paves Way for Sustainable Growth
A preview of the 2025 SCO Summit emerged in Tianjin, where 18 sustainable development projects worth $700 million were signed. 'Pragmatism defines our approach,' stated Luan Jianzhang of Tianjin's Foreign Affairs Office, highlighting energy and infrastructure collaborations. The city's 24 Luban Workshops across SCO nations exemplify China's vocational training exports, with 10 centers specifically in member states.
As Tianjin's trade with SCO countries grows by 15.6% annually, the stage is set for the upcoming summit to further institutionalize cooperation mechanisms. With new transport arteries and green investment frameworks, the SCO model demonstrates how regional blocs can translate political consensus into concrete development outcomes.
