Digital Security and Information Exchange within the SCO framework

Secure information exchange — a key element of cooperation

The contemporary stage of international relations is marked by the rapid growth of the importance of information and communication technologies, which have become not only a driving force of progress but also a source of new challenges and threats. In this regard, ensuring international information security has assumed particular urgency, requiring the coordination of efforts at both regional and global levels.

Uzbekistan’s contribution to strengthening stability and cooperation in the SCO

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), approaching its 25th anniversary, is entering a new stage of evolution, striving to adapt to the changing geopolitical environment. On August 31 – September 1 in Tianjin, the next meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO will take place. The forum will summarize the results of China’s chairmanship in the Organization, during which, despite difficult circumstances, enormous work has been carried out to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation within the SCO. This is evidenced, in particular, by a solid package of documents prepared for signing following the summit, aimed at ensuring regional stability and security, strengthening interconnectedness, and promoting sustainable economic development across the vast SCO space.

Central Asia and China at the Contemporary Stage of Development: A Partnership Oriented Toward a Common Future

At the contemporary stage, the development of constructive relations with China has become one of the key priorities of the foreign policy of the Central Asian countries. In recent years, these countries have achieved a high degree of political trust and stable economic interaction. Within this partnership, the strategic cooperation between Tashkent and Beijing holds a special place – it has become a symbol of exemplary relations based on pragmatism, mutual respect, and a shared aspiration for joint development.

Digital Economy and Innovation: A New Stage of Uzbekistan–China Cooperation

Since gaining independence, and particularly over the past eight years, Uzbekistan has paid special attention to building equal partnerships with all countries of the world, adopting modern trends, and integrating them into various areas of public life. These efforts have contributed to the development of economic sectors and to improving the welfare of the population. As noted by President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the development of information and communication technologies drives rapid progress across all sectors and creates significant convenience for citizens.

Technology Integration and Joint Research: Priority Areas of Uzbekistan–China Cooperation

At present, one of the key priorities in cooperation between Uzbekistan and China is the development of collaboration in technology integration, joint research, and applied innovations. The broad scope of cooperation reflects China’s growing interest in Uzbekistan. From 2016 to 2025, JSC “Uzbektelecom” implemented large-scale projects to expand telecommunication infrastructure, attracting direct foreign investment and loans from Chinese financial institutions totaling approximately USD 700 million.

Uzbekistan and China: Strengthening Cooperation in Reviving the Silk Road Heritage

Uzbekistan and China are strengthening their strategic partnership through cultural cooperation rooted in the shared heritage of the Great Silk Road. For centuries, exchanges in trade, science, and art linked the two civilizations, and today this legacy continues with joint projects, exhibitions, and festivals. Recent agreements, including the 2023–2027 partnership program, promote cultural diplomacy, tourism, and heritage preservation. Declaring 2025 the “Year of Uzbekistan Tourism in China” highlights growing collaboration, with new initiatives planned in education, arts, and cultural exchange through 2030.

Uzbekistan–China: Synergy of Potentials on the Path to New Opportunities

Uzbekistan and China have built a solid strategic partnership over the past three decades, advancing from diplomatic recognition in 1992 to an “all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership” in 2024. Bilateral cooperation spans politics, economy, culture, and regional security, with trade turnover reaching $14 billion in 2024 and Chinese investments exceeding $24.6 billion since 2017. Regular high-level visits, interregional forums, and joint projects in industry, technology, and green development highlight the deepening ties. The upcoming visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to China is expected to further strengthen political trust, expand economic opportunities, and enhance humanitarian exchanges.

Support for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises through the Opportunities of SCO Financial Institutions

Uzbekistan is actively using the opportunities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through financial cooperation. Ongoing initiatives include the creation of the SCO Development Bank and Investment Fund, which will provide long-term loans and support joint projects in industry, agriculture, transport, and green economy. SMEs, already a backbone of Uzbekistan’s economy, stand to benefit from wider access to financing, digital trade platforms, and unified industrial standards. These efforts will expand trade turnover, create jobs, and strengthen Uzbekistan’s role in regional economic integration.

The Trans-Caspian Route and the SCO: The Strengthening Role and Prospects of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is strengthening its role as a key transport hub in Eurasia by actively developing the Trans-Caspian route in synergy with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). This corridor connects Central Asia with Turkey and Europe via the Caspian Sea and the South Caucasus, while complementing the Trans-Afghan railway project toward South Asia. Recent reforms have significantly increased Uzbekistan’s cargo flows with Europe, reaching about 500,000 tons in the first half of 2025. By combining infrastructure development, digital integration, and regional cooperation within the SCO, Uzbekistan aims to enhance its economic sovereignty and become a major player in Eurasian logistics and trade.