The member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) promote e-commerce worldwide.
The Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is composed of the leaders of China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran, which joined as a full member in 2023, to coordinate regional policies.
Shanghai Cooperation Organization
The member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization seek to accelerate discussions on the WTO’s E-Commerce Work Program. They hope for a balanced and universally accepted outcome at the next Ministerial Conference. In addition, they consider it essential to address development gaps and reduce the digital divide. They also promote greater connectivity and trust in e-commerce, while respecting national laws and policies.
In light of global economic uncertainty and new trade restrictions, SCO leaders emphasize the importance of the multilateral trading system. They consider it key to promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development. They also reiterate their support for open, transparent, and fair trade based on WTO rules and consensus decisions. Finally, they emphasize that special treatment for developing and least developed countries remains a fundamental principle of the organization.
International trade
The member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization rejected trade measures that violate WTO rules and principles. They stressed the importance of maintaining constructive cooperation within the framework of the agreements reached at the Ministerial Conferences.
In addition, they expressed deep concern about the increase in tensions in international economic relations, which threaten the stability of world trade and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
They called on all countries to engage in dialogue and cooperation, respect international trade law, and eliminate restrictive measures that contravene WTO rules. They also highlighted the need for reform of the organization that preserves its fundamental principles. According to SCO members, such reform should strengthen the effectiveness of the system, improve global economic governance, and promote more equitable and inclusive growth.
In this context, they reiterated the urgency of reestablishing a fully operational and functional two-tier dispute settlement mechanism within the WTO.