India Reaffirms Commitment to SCO’s Developmental Agenda at 23rd Meeting

New Delhi: Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal participated in the 23rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Ministers responsible for foreign economic and trade activities, held virtually yesterday. In his address, Barthwal highlighted India’s active contributions to the SCO since its membership began in 2017 and outlined the country’s vision for a ‘SECURE’ SCO, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ‘SECURE’ framework emphasizes Security, Economic Development, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity, and Environmental Protection.

India’s Vision and Contributions

During the meeting, Barthwal emphasized India’s ongoing commitment to the SCO’s developmental goals and congratulated Pakistan on its Presidency of the Heads of Government of the SCO. He also extended a warm welcome to the Republic of Belarus, which recently joined the organization as a new member.

Barthwal underscored the critical role of digitalization in driving rapid economic development. He praised India’s achievements in creating a robust digital public infrastructure, which has significantly improved financial inclusion, education, and governance. He highlighted that this infrastructure has been utilized as ‘public goods’ to benefit all segments of society, a model that can be adapted for green energy transitions necessary for meeting net-zero targets and reducing carbon footprints for sustainable growth.

Importance of Efficient Logistics and Connectivity

The Commerce Secretary stressed the importance of efficient logistics and the need for paperless trading to streamline cross-border transactions. He called for enhanced connectivity to foster trade and economic development but emphasized that such efforts must be built on trust and transparency. Barthwal also reiterated the importance of adhering to the principles of the SCO Charter, particularly respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states.

He recalled India’s constructive role during its first-ever Presidency of the SCO Heads of State last year and highlighted the need for collective efforts to promote fair trade practices and ensure transparency for better economic outcomes in the region. Barthwal emphasized that inclusive growth in the SCO region requires member states to support each other in advancing value chains in the production of goods and services, which directly impacts economic growth and citizen welfare.

Focus on Technology and AI

Barthwal noted that the 21st century is characterized by technological advancements and highlighted India’s strategic initiatives in Artificial Intelligence (AI). He reiterated India’s commitment to ‘AI for all,’ aiming for responsible development of AI that is transparent, fair, secure, and accessible. He urged for close collaboration to ensure that AI development serves the greater good of society.

Key Documents Approved

During the meeting, the SCO Ministers approved three significant documents:

1. Framework for Cooperation in the Sphere of Development of the Creative Economy
2. Concept of Cooperation between the Trade Promotion Organizations of SCO Member States
3. Concept for the Creation of Economic Preferences Base of SCO Member States

Additionally, a statement on fair trade and sustainable development was adopted.