Beijing, July 16, 2025 – SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev took part in the meeting of the Board of the SCO Business Council (hereinafter SCO Business Council), which was held in a hybrid format under the chairmanship of the China.
The organizers were the Chinese Committee for the Promotion of International Trade and the Secretariat of the SCO Business Council.
In his speech, the Secretary General noted the good work of the Business Council and its role as a key mechanism for strengthening business ties between the Member States, stressing that in conditions of geo-economic instability, it is the business communities that are called upon to become drivers of growth and support in overcoming transnational challenges.
The Secretary General noted that despite the positive results of the SCO forums, exhibitions, and other events, the SCO's potential, according to the leaders of the states, is not being fully utilized. This is hindered by two key factors: the lack of its own financing mechanism (Institution) within the SCO, as well as favorable conditions and preferences that stimulate the participation of business circles in the Organization's projects.
He drew the attention of the BC to the importance of resuming practical activities within the framework of the Cooperation Agreement between the BC and the SCO Interbank Association, proposing to form a list of 2-3 potential investment projects for the coming year with further approval by the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of the member States. The potential of the newly established SCO Investor Association should be involved in this work.
At the end of his speech, Nurlan Yermekbayev expressed confidence in further strengthening the role of the business community on the SCO economic track, promoting mutually beneficial projects focused on sustainable growth and prosperity of the member states.
The heads of delegations who spoke during the meeting made a number of proposals on the implementation of forms of cooperation in such areas as transport and logistics, energy, women's and youth entrepreneurship, small and medium-sized businesses. There was also an exchange of views on the current activities of the SCO Security Council.
The chairmanship of the Board of the SCO Business Council for the period from January 1 to December 31, 2026 passed to the Kyrgyz Republic.
Upon completion, the participants signed the final Protocol.
The meeting was held on the eve of the SCO Business Forum, which will be held on July 17, 2025 in Beijing with the participation of the SCO Secretary General.