BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 1. President of
Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon proposed exploring the establishment of
economic growth zones across the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
(SCO) space and a Regional Digital Agro-Ecological Platform,
Trend’s special
correspondent reports.


Rahmon made the proposal while addressing the meeting of the
Council of Heads of State of the SCO member states in Bishkek.


He noted that the expansion of the digital economy, innovation
and advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence,
contributes to the long-term development of the organization’s
countries.


Addressing trade and economic cooperation, the Tajik president
stressed the need to give it additional impetus, including in
industry, energy, transport and transit, as well as agriculture.
“Another priority remains trade and economic cooperation,” Rahmon
said.


He also stressed the need to strengthen coordination in the
energy sector amid tensions in regional and global energy markets.
According to him, particular attention should be paid both to
traditional energy and to promoting “green” transformation
projects. The Tajik president welcomed progress toward establishing
the SCO Development Bank.







Addressing security issues, Rahmon noted growing global
geopolitical contradictions and regional conflicts, as well as
increasing threats from terrorism, extremism, radicalism and other
challenges. “In this regard, a real step would be to launch as soon
as possible the work of the Anti-Drug Center and the Universal
Center for Countering Security Challenges and Threats,” he
said.


Rahmon also stressed the need to resolve all regional and
international conflicts, including those in the Middle East and
around Iran, through political and diplomatic means.


The Tajik president noted that preserving glaciers, rational use
of water resources, preventing land degradation and ensuring
environmental security are strategic objectives of sustainable
development. He expressed hope for continued support for
Tajikistan’s international initiatives in these areas.


In conclusion, Rahmon congratulated Pakistan on assuming the SCO
chairmanship and supported the initiative to declare Lahore the SCO
Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026–2027.