Xi calls for high-quality development as SCO marks 25 years

Summary

President Xi Jinping attended the 26th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Bishkek on 1 September, delivering a speech in which he called for high-quality development of the organisation. Marking the SCO's 25th anniversary, Xi proposed four priorities: development, security, people-centred approaches, and dialogue and consultation. He also announced China would implement 100 science and technology cooperation projects with member states over the next three years.

The meeting adopted 28 outcome documents, including the Bishkek Declaration, with Pakistan taking over the rotating presidency.

Commentary

The SCO's 25th anniversary summit highlighted the bloc's expanding economic weight. Member states account for roughly 45 percent of the global population and a combined GDP of more than US$23 trillion. Xi's four priorities, including development first and a pledge of 100 science and technology projects, signal an emphasis on connectivity and digital economy.

For New Zealand businesses, the planned port economy cooperation centre in Tianjin could improve China-Europe rail logistics through Central Asia, potentially lowering transhipment costs for NZ dairy and meat exports to Central and South Asia. However, trade risks from India-Pakistan tensions and Russian sanctions need watching. On the upside, projects in green minerals and artificial intelligence may offer entry points for NZ tech firms.

The implementation details of the science and technology projects and the port centre's operating model will determine real commercial opportunities. Internal coordination challenges may delay delivery.

Keywords: Xi Jinping, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Bishkek summit, science and technology cooperation, port economy

Summary in Chinese | 摘要

9月1日上午，国家主席习近平在比什凯克出席上海合作组织成员国元首理事会第二十六次会议并发表题为《推动上海合作组织实现更高质量发展》的重要讲话。今年是上合组织成立25周年，习近平提出坚持发展优先、安全为要、以人为本、对话协商4点主张，宣布未来3年同成员国联合实施100个科技合作项目。会议通过比什凯克宣言等28份成果文件，决定巴基斯坦接任下任轮值主席国。

Commentary in Chinese | 评论

上合组织成立25周年之际，习近平提出发展优先等四点主张，宣布未来3年同成员国实施100个科技合作项目，并在天津设立口岸经济合作中心。该组织覆盖欧亚大陆核心地带，成员人口约占全球45%，GDP总量超23万亿美元，其推动的互联互通与数字经济合作可能重塑区域供应链。对NZ SME而言，中欧班列经中亚的物流效率若因口岸中心提升，新西兰乳品、肉类经中国转运至中亚、南亚的成本将降低，但需警惕印巴矛盾与俄罗斯受制裁带来的贸易不确定性。

积极面：绿色矿产、人工智能等合作项目或为新西兰技术企业提供间接参与接口；风险面：组织内部协调复杂，项目落地可能滞后。百个科技项目的具体招标规则与口岸中心运作模式，将是判断实际商业机会的先行指标。

关键词: 习近平, 上海合作组织, 元首理事会, 比什凯克, 重要讲话, 上海精神, 科技合作, 成果文件

Source: China.org.cn