The Shanghai Cooperation
Organization (SCO) summit in Astana is set to become a new starting point for promoting
Kazakhstan’s image and interests on the global stage. The meeting of the SCO member
states is particularly relevant given the current geopolitical situation. The
expected entry of a new country - Belarus - into the SCO family is important
not only from a political but also an economic perspective, according to Kazakh
MPs. Hosting this significant international event in Kazakhstan opens new
opportunities for regional trade and investment expansion, as well as for
advantageous establishment of transit potential along the East-West and
North-South transport corridors.
«This is one of the major global
institutions that allows Kazakhstan to establish its agency, address certain
issues related to geopolitical tensions, and ensure its interests are
prioritized in the global agenda. Currently, China benefits significantly, and
India-led Southern countries also play pivotal roles. To date, Kazakhstan,
Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan are actively working to establish transit routes
through Afghanistan. Besides, we are striving to access Iran and India and
deliver large flows of goods to the world market and the Persian Gulf in the
shortest possible time,» said Aidos Sarym, Member of the Mazhilis, the Lower
House of the Kazakh Parliament.