With the rise of Asia and the emergence of Central Asia in global economics and politics the role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is growing in importance. Founded in 2001 in Shanghai, by the leaders of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, the SCO was originally formed due to growing security concerns in the region, but its role has been extended to encompass economic benefits to member countries as well. India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan remain observers to the SCO. The United States applied for observer status but was denied in 2005.

SCO countries (full members and observers) comprise a hefty 25 percent of Earth’s land area. Although the declaration on the establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation contained a statement that it “is not an alliance directed against other states and regions and it adheres to the principle of openness”, many observers believe that one of the original purposes of the SCO was to serve as a counterbalance to NATO and the United States and in particular to avoid conflicts that would allow the United States to intervene in areas near both Russia and China

In the recent past SCO member countries have discussed ways to corporate on issues of security, economics and politics. The organisation whose heads of state meet once every year, has held eight meetings till date, the last one being held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan and the next one scheduled for 2009 in Yekaterinberg, Russia.

On the economic front, SCO member’s have agreed to improve the flow of goods in the region while prioritizing joint energy projects in the oil and gas sector the exploration of new hydrocarbon reserves, and joint use of water resources.

In order to bolster security among member nations, the SCO focuses on eradicating the threats faced from terrorism, separatism, extremism and drug trafficking. As a result, joint military exercises between the member countries play an important part in securing the region.

Cultural cooperation also occurs in the SCO framework, with member countries holding art festivals and culturals exhibitions in each others countries.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 1st, 2008 at 10:00 am and is filed under Regional Organisations, Government, Economy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.