Two opposite forces of geopolitics and geo-economics are severely confronting in the region and across the globe, setting new rules for regional integration and international engagement.
As a result, the “battle of corridors” has intensified, underscoring the strategic importance of trans-regional connectivity, socio-economic integration, infrastructure development and investment. Within this context, CPEC, BRI and SCO have emerged as a vital triangle of prosperity, progress, productivity and peaceful promotion of dialogue, diplomacy and development in Eurasia. These frameworks are facilitating social integration, political convergence and economic sustainability through their mega projects.
It is a positive development that the SCO has successfully enhanced its role in shaping the geopolitical and economic landscape of Eurasia by focusing on economic security and financial integration. The inclusion of the BRI within its fold has elevated its strategic importance. Meanwhile, CPEC possesses immense strategic potential, scope and capacity to connect with all Central Asian countries and SCO members through the Middle Corridor—Afghanistan. The recent decision by Pakistan, China and the Taliban regime to expand CPEC into Afghan territory marks a significant step toward trans-regional connectivity and socio-economic integration.
Gwadar Seaport and Karachi Dry Port will catalyze maritime trade, promote the blue economy, energize trade activities and function as regional hubs for Central Asian countries. Encouragingly, the governments of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have expressed strong interest in using these Pakistani ports for their trade. Thus, the triangle of CPEC, BRI and SCO is increasingly aligning regional economies and communities toward enhanced cooperation, coordination and collaboration. Investment in infrastructure, including transport and energy corridors, remains vital for economic integration and connectivity across Eurasia.
Pakistan and China continue to reaffirm their commitment to integrating Afghanistan into regional trade networks via CPEC and BRI, recognizing its pivotal role as a transit hub between South and Central Asia. The SCO is positioning itself as a counterbalance by advocating for economic independence, multipolarity and regionally driven solutions. China’s leadership in the SCO is evident in projects like the BRI, which align closely with the SCO’s overarching goals. The “Shanghai Spirit” has become a strategic roadmap guiding both CPEC and BRI toward sustainable and inclusive development.
Economically, China plays a pivotal role in regional growth through its BRI initiatives that fund infrastructure across Central Asia. Chinese banks and technological assistance have deepened regional ties and integration. These efforts position China as a sustainable economic partner that upholds the principle of equality among member states. Through the SCO, China is enhancing regional connectivity, particularly via cross-border railways and free trade zones. Rather than acting as a hegemon, China aims to serve as a catalyst for collective growth and mutual development in the Eurasian space.
China’s strategic infrastructure investments and role in regional security have garnered attention and interest from several countries. Its strong ties with Russia further reinforce its ability to address external challenges and counter Western dominance. The SCO naturally aligns with President Xi Jinping’s flagship initiative—the BRI. All six founding SCO members lie along the historic Silk Road. Xi’s 2013 visit to Kazakhstan saw the launch of the Silk Road Economic Belt, followed by a call to revive the Silk Road spirit during the SCO summit in Bishkek, reinforcing China’s integration with Central Asia.
Over the past decade, China has used the BRI as a key platform for practical cooperation with SCO countries, particularly in infrastructure, trade and finance. A prime example is the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, which will begin in Kashgar, Xinjiang and pass through Kyrgyzstan into Uzbekistan. In the future, it may extend to West and South Asia, becoming a major transportation artery across the continent. President Xi described this project as a strategic link that enhances cooperation under the BRI and contributes to regional economic integration.
Located in the heart of Asia, Central Asia has long suffered from being landlocked. Once completed, the railway will drastically reduce the time required to transport goods to global markets and will help integrate Central Asia into international industrial and supply chains. The BRI has emerged as a multilateral cooperation platform enabling Central Asian nations to engage freely with global markets. As connectivity improves, trade flourishes—evident in the record high trade volume of $90 billion between China and the five Central Asian states, a 27 percent increase year-on-year.
In summary, the emerging triangle of CPEC, BRI and SCO is becoming the new normal in Eurasia. This model redefines trade routes, redrafts connectivity parameters and redevelops economic security. These initiatives create promising propositions for all member states. For financial sustainability, the writer suggests policymakers accelerate consultations to establish the “SCO Development Bank,” “SCO Development Fund,” and “SCO Investment Fund.” These institutions are vital to achieving the goals of the Shanghai Spirit and the strategic aims of CPEC and BRI.
Moreover, to advance the Digital Silk Route, forming a “SCO AI Bank” is critical. This institution could promote digitalization, industrial modernization, robotics, quantum technologies and 5G across member countries. Such advancements would reshape national systems and societies, with the CPEC-BRI-SCO triangle playing a crucial future role. The writer also proposes creating a “SCO Ports Bank” to help landlocked Central Asian countries connect with South Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe via Pakistan’s ports and trade routes.
Further proposals include the establishment of a “SCO Common Stock Exchange,” along with integrated commodity, money and bond markets. These initiatives would serve as shock absorbers against economic disruptions such as U.S. tariffs and trade wars. Lastly, forming a “SCO Triangular Energy and Food Bank” would mitigate geopolitical maneuverings by Western powers and bolster the economic resilience of the region. These initiatives aim to drive integration, facilitate trade and secure infrastructure development financing.
Such institutions will reduce dependence on Western financial systems and foster autonomous economic growth among SCO members. Swapping local currencies in mutual trade settlements would be a transformative step, weakening the dominance of Western currencies in global trade. This would give member countries greater control over their financial policies, strengthen regional cooperation and promote sustainable economic development through this powerful geo-economic triangle of CPEC, BRI and SCO.
