Hey fam! 🌏 If you’ve been curious how mega-regions come together, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is where it’s at. Since 2001, SCO has been on a mission to boost ties from Beijing to Bishkek and beyond, all in the name of mutual trust, respect, and shared growth. 🤝
Why Roads First? 🛣️
Ever heard the saying “to get rich, build roads first”? SCO’s flagship highway, railway, and pipeline projects are proving it right. They’re the backbone that makes trade faster, cheaper, and more reliable—think of it as upgrading from dial-up to 5G. 🚀
Highlights You Should Know
- China–Europe Railway Express: 19,000 trips in 2024 (+10.7% YoY) 🚄
- CKU International Highway (Tarim Basin to Amu Darya): Cuts freight costs by $300–500/ton 📉
- Trade Spike: China–Uzbekistan trade soared from $6.26B (2018) to $13.78B (2024); China–Kyrgyzstan jumped from $2B to $22.71B 📈
What’s Next?
The brand-new China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway kicked off real construction in December 2024. When it’s done, expect faster delivery, lower prices, and fresh job openings across the region. 🙌
For young pros in South and Southeast Asia, this means bigger business scenes, easier travel adventures, and a closer-knit community from Istanbul to Jakarta. Ready to ride the next wave of connectivity? 🎉
Reference(s):
Strengthen regional connectivity within the SCO to unlock the future
cgtn.com
