Beijing – Representatives from the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) Secretariat and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) met in Beijing on March 18, 2026, to discuss strengthening economic ties and expanding business opportunities within the region. The meeting signals a growing interest in multilateral cooperation to foster economic development across Eurasia, particularly as the SCO continues to evolve as a key player in regional security and trade.
The discussion centered on enhancing collaboration between the two organizations, with a specific focus on boosting economic cooperation and facilitating increased business interactions. Liang Yiguang, Deputy Secretary-General of the CAEXPO Secretariat, briefed T.R. Midhun, Deputy Secretary-General of the SCO, on the current activities and forthcoming events planned by CAEXPO. This exchange of information aims to identify potential synergies and areas for joint initiatives.
The SCO, established in 2001, is a significant Eurasian political, economic, and security organization comprising ten member states, including China, Russia, India, and Pakistan. As of 2024, the SCO represents approximately 42% of the world’s population and focuses on a broad range of issues, from counter-terrorism to economic development. The organization’s commitment to energy cooperation was recently reinforced by the adoption of a Strategy for 2030 at the Astana Summit in 2024, along with a Roadmap for its implementation, as highlighted in a September 2025 meeting between SCO officials and representatives from the Eurasian Economic Commission.
CAEXPO’s Role in Regional Trade and Investment
The China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) serves as a crucial platform for promoting trade and investment between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). CAEXPO provides a venue for businesses to showcase their products, forge partnerships, and explore new market opportunities. The Expo’s activities are particularly relevant given the increasing economic integration between China and ASEAN countries, and the broader regional focus on supply chain resilience.
Liang Yiguang’s presentation to the SCO Secretariat likely detailed upcoming CAEXPO events and initiatives designed to attract investment and facilitate trade. These events often feature industry-specific exhibitions, business forums, and high-level dialogues between government officials and business leaders. The SCO’s interest in CAEXPO’s activities suggests a desire to leverage the Expo’s network and expertise to promote economic cooperation within the SCO region.
SCO’s Support for Multilateral Economic Initiatives
Deputy Secretary-General Midhun reaffirmed the SCO Secretariat’s commitment to supporting initiatives that foster multilateral interaction in the region. This statement underscores the SCO’s broader strategy of promoting regional connectivity and economic integration. The SCO views enhanced economic cooperation as a key component of regional stability and security.
The SCO’s willingness to provide support to CAEXPO-related initiatives could seize various forms, including facilitating information sharing, promoting participation in CAEXPO events, and coordinating joint projects. This collaboration aligns with the SCO’s broader efforts to strengthen ties with regional organizations and promote a more integrated Eurasian economic space. In September 2025, T.R. Midhun emphasized the importance of developing energy cooperation within the SCO, highlighting the organization’s commitment to key economic sectors.
Implications for Regional Economic Cooperation
The meeting between the SCO and CAEXPO secretariats represents a positive step towards strengthening regional economic cooperation. By leveraging the strengths of both organizations, there is potential to unlock new opportunities for trade, investment, and economic growth. This collaboration could also contribute to greater regional stability and security by fostering closer economic ties between countries in Eurasia.
The focus on expanding business contacts is particularly important, as it can help to create a more conducive environment for private sector investment and innovation. Facilitating greater interaction between businesses from different countries can lead to the development of new products, services, and technologies, ultimately driving economic growth and creating jobs. The SCO’s support for CAEXPO’s initiatives could help to streamline trade procedures, reduce barriers to investment, and promote a more level playing field for businesses operating in the region.
Looking ahead, the SCO Secretariat and the CAEXPO Secretariat are expected to continue their dialogue and explore concrete areas for collaboration. Further details on specific joint initiatives are anticipated in the coming months. Stakeholders interested in learning more about the SCO’s activities can visit the organization’s official website at sectsco.org. Information on CAEXPO events and initiatives can be found on the CAEXPO official website (URL not provided in source materials).
This meeting underscores the growing importance of regional cooperation in addressing shared economic challenges and promoting sustainable development. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on this developing story and its potential impact on the region.
