BISHKEK, Oct 26 Expanding transport potential is One of the promising areas for the development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Russia invites partners to begin developing a draft international agreement on the use of the transit potential of the states of the association, said Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
“One of the promising areas is the expansion of ties in the field of transport. Russia is paying increased, serious attention to this topic. We are systematically engaged in modernizing the road network within the country. We have launched several more strategic projects that will open up additional opportunities for the delivery of goods,” Mishustin said, speaking at a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the SCO member states.
He explained that Russia is working on such transport and logistics routes as North-South and West-East, and is increasing the infrastructure capacity of the Northern Sea Route.
“I invite my colleagues to become more actively involved in the implementation of such a significant document. Instruct the relevant departments to take the necessary measures for this and begin to develop a draft international treaty to use the transit potential of our states,” Mishustin addressed his partners.
According to him, it is also necessary to continue preparing a memorandum for the development of highways in the SCO space.
“Comprehensive joint efforts on the transport track will increase trade turnover and develop new markets , which will benefit our citizens and businesses,” Mishustin expressed confidence.
He said that Russia’s trade turnover with the SCO states last year increased by more than a third and reached a record high of almost 18.5 trillion rubles . For seven months of this year — over 16 trillion rubles.