Finance ministers and central bank leaders from member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization gathered in Bishkek this week to discuss economic cooperation, investment, and regional financial stability, with Tajikistan calling for deeper integration and the creation of an SCO Development Bank.

The Tajik delegation, led by Faiziddin Qahhorzoda and Deputy Chairman of the National Bank of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Ikromi, highlighted the country’s growing economic ties within the bloc during the meeting in Bishkek.

Speaking at the session, Qahhorzoda said Tajikistan’s foreign trade turnover with SCO member countries reached $9.6 billion in 2025, while cumulative investment from SCO states into the Tajik economy exceeded $16.7 billion between 2007 and 2026.

Tajikistan also urged member states to accelerate efforts to establish an SCO Development Bank and create a unified portfolio of strategic regional projects focused on energy, transport, logistics, digital infrastructure, and the green economy.

Officials further discussed expanding cooperation in sustainable finance and advancing joint climate initiatives across the region.

Ikromi briefed participants on Tajikistan’s current macroeconomic performance, noting that the country’s economic growth stands at 8 percent while inflation remains at 3.6 percent. He also emphasized ongoing efforts to modernize and digitalize the financial sector.

The meeting additionally focused on strengthening coordination between financial institutions and central banks of SCO member states amid evolving global economic challenges.

On the sidelines of the forum, the Tajik delegation held bilateral talks with representatives from Kyrgyzstan, China, and Iran to discuss expanding financial and economic cooperation and enhancing collaboration within the SCO framework.