**SHOS Board Meeting Highlights Need for Greater Business Collaboration and Investment Initiatives**
The Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization of States (SHOS), Nurlan Ermekbayev, called for stronger business ties and new financial mechanisms among member states during a hybrid Board of Directors meeting chaired by China. The gathering, organized by the Chinese Committee on International Trade Promotion and the SHOS Business Council Secretariat, aimed to discuss the role of business in supporting economic cooperation amid ongoing global instability.
In his address, Secretary-General Ermekbayev commended the SHOS Business Council for its effective work in connecting the business communities of member countries. He emphasized the Council’s position as a driving force for economic growth and as an essential ally in tackling transnational challenges that arise from geo-economic uncertainty.
However, Ermekbayev highlighted two major obstacles holding back the organization’s full potential: the absence of an independent SHOS financing institute and a lack of incentives to encourage private sector involvement in SHOS projects. He echoed the concerns of member state leaders, noting that while forums and exhibitions have been successful, more progress is needed to translate these into sustained economic benefits.
To address these issues, the Secretary-General urged the renewal of practical cooperation between the SHOS Board and the Interbanking Association. He proposed identifying two to three viable investment projects for approval by the Council of Heads of Government, leveraging the expertise and resources of the newly established SHOS Investor Association to advance these initiatives.
Concluding his remarks, Ermekbayev expressed optimism about bolstering the economic dimension of SHOS through mutually beneficial ventures. He highlighted the ongoing commitment to sustainable development and prosperity throughout the organization’s member states.
Delegation leaders from participating countries also made several proposals during the meeting, targeting increased cooperation in key sectors such as transport and logistics, energy, entrepreneurship for women and youth, as well as support for small and medium-sized businesses. The session included a broad exchange of views on current SHOS activities and priorities.
A significant development at the meeting was the announcement that the Kyrgyz delegation will take over the Chairmanship of the SHOS Business Council Board from January 1 to December 31, 2026. The meeting concluded with participants signing a Final Protocol, formalizing the agreed outcomes.
This board meeting took place ahead of the SHOS Business Forum, scheduled to convene in Beijing, with the participation of the Secretary-General. The Forum is expected to further the organization’s economic agenda and foster deeper collaboration among its members.
