President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will participate in the SCO Summit to be held in Tianjin, China, on August 31 – September 1 of this year. In this regard, the Centre for Economic Research and Reforms has prepared an infographic on Uzbekistan’s trade and investment cooperation with SCO member states, covering the past 8 years and data for 2024.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is an international regional organisation established in 2001. Currently, the SCO consists of 10 member states: Belarus, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Two countries — Afghanistan and Mongolia — hold observer status in the SCO and actively participate in the organisation’s activities. In addition, 14 countries are recognised as SCO dialogue partners: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bahrain, Egypt, Cambodia, Qatar, Kuwait, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Sri Lanka.

The accession of India and Pakistan in 2017, Iran in 2023, and Belarus in 2024 significantly expanded the SCO’s geographic reach and political influence, making it one of the largest regional organisations in the world.

Moreover, the inclusion of new members broadened opportunities for economic cooperation within the SCO, particularly in trade, investment, and transport-logistics.

Uzbekistan’s Foreign Trade Indicators with SCO Member States

SCO member states, especially Russia, China, and Central Asian countries, are among Uzbekistan’s main trade and economic partners.

From 2017 to 2024, Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with SCO countries increased 2.5 times, from USD 12.9 billion to USD 32.5 billion. Exports grew 1.6 times, from USD 5.8 billion to USD 9 billion, while imports rose 3.3 times, from USD 7.1 billion to USD 23.5 billion.

The share of SCO countries in Uzbekistan’s total foreign trade increased from 48.6% to 49.4%. Their share in exports decreased from 46.2% to 33.4%, while their share in imports rose from 50.6% to 60.4%.

In 2024, exports to SCO countries accounted for 33.4% of the total (USD 9 billion). However, since gold exports (USD 7.48 billion in 2024) were mainly directed to other countries, excluding gold, the share of SCO countries in Uzbekistan’s total exports was 46.3%.

In 2024, compared to 2023, Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with SCO countries increased by 0.1%, from USD 32.5 billion to USD 32.54 billion. Exports decreased by 3.5%, from USD 9.33 billion to USD 9.01 billion, while imports grew by 1.6%, from USD 23.17 billion to USD 23.53 billion.

In 2024, the largest shares of Uzbekistan’s foreign trade with SCO countries were as follows:

• Trade turnover: China – USD 12.5 billion (38.4%), Russia – USD 11.63 billion (35.7%), Kazakhstan – USD 4.28 billion (13.1%).

• Exports: Russia – USD 3.7 billion (40.9%), China – USD 2.1 billion (22.8%), Kazakhstan – USD 1.45 billion (16.1%), Kyrgyzstan – USD 631.5 million (7.1%), Tajikistan – USD 605 million (6.8%).

• Imports: China – USD 10.43 billion (44.3%), Russia – USD 7.95 billion (33.8%), Kazakhstan – USD 2.83 billion (12%).

In 2024, the total volume of foreign direct investment and loans from SCO countries to Uzbekistan exceeded USD 11.4 billion (46.6% of total FDI and loans).

SCO countries have become the main markets for Uzbekistan’s finished export products. More than 80% of exported fruits and vegetables, other food products, electrical goods, as well as textile and automotive industry products are supplied to SCO countries.

At the same time, Uzbekistan imports essential goods and raw materials from SCO member states for economic development. For example, the majority of metal, wood, and petroleum products are sourced from SCO countries.

Additionally, more than 50% of Uzbekistan’s imports of machinery and equipment, including components necessary for finished product manufacturing, come from SCO countries, mainly China.

SCO countries also play a crucial role in ensuring Uzbekistan’s food security, as about 70% of food imports come from SCO member states. In particular, Russia and Kazakhstan are major suppliers of vegetable oils and grain products.

As one of the founding members of the SCO, Uzbekistan, located at the heart of Central Asia, seeks to strengthen friendly relations and further expand multifaceted cooperation with all member states of the organisation.

Centre for Economic Research and Reforms
Public Relations Department