SCO ministers unite to counter protectionism, strengthen trade

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) trade ministers on Thursday underscored the need to counter protectionist trade measures and called for the strengthening of a non-discriminatory, World Trade Organisation-based multilateral trading system. The 23rd ministerial meeting saw the endorsement of three major initiatives — launched by Pakistan, Kazakhstan and Russia — to foster deeper cooperation among member countries. Representatives from seven nations gathered in Islamabad, with Belarus welcomed as a new member of the SCO. The Indian vice-minister of commerce and industry, along with Kazakhstan’s vice-minister of national economy, attended the conference virtually. Other countries represented by ministers or deputy ministers included Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Iran, the Kyrgyz Republic, China and Russia.