New century concept maintains regional harmony

Since its establishment, the SCO has always viewed safeguarding security and stability as one of its major missions.

At a summit in 2006, the SCO also listed mutual trust and benefit, equality and mutual respect as the core elements of the framework of the new global security mechanism.

Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev said the SCO members have joined hands in cracking down on the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism as well as transnational organized crime, having played a key role in maintaining regional peace and stability.

Moreover, the SCO has demonstrated to the world its ability to address regional and international challenges and serve as a key pillar in the future multipolar world, Bakiyev added.

Economic and trade cooperation on high gear

The Outline of Multilateral Economic and Trade Cooperation Among Member States signed by prime ministers of the SCO at a summit in 2003 holds great significance to the development of the organization, said Sun Zhuangzhi, an expert on central Asia and the SCO.

Sun said the signing of the document indicated that economy and security have become two key areas of cooperation for the SCO members, serving as the "dual wheels" pushing the organization forward.

Tajik President Rakhmon said the establishment of the Entrepreneurs' Committee and the Bank Syndicate was a crucial step for multilateral cooperation.

Apart from fighting terrorism, separatism, extremism, drug-trafficking and illegal immigration, the SCO should expand economic and trade cooperation and tap the potential of business opportunities.