On April 16, 2026, the third meeting of the heads of state ministries and agencies of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states in the field of plant quarantine was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. Along with representatives from the Russian Federation, the People's Republic of China, the republics of Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, India, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of Tajikistan was represented by the First Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Shirinjonzoda Mahmud (via virtual participation).
During the meeting, participants discussed issues related to current policies and prospects for the development of cooperation in the field of phytosanitary security within the SCO framework. The parties paid special attention to:
Strengthening phytosanitary cooperation as a vital factor for the development of mutual trade in agricultural products;
Improving the control and monitoring system for regulated pests;
Ensuring plant quarantine requirements in international trade;
Developing a system for the electronic exchange of phytosanitary certificates.
At the same time, the need to strengthen information exchange under existing agreements was emphasized. The use of the official SCO website was identified as a key unified platform for publishing and updating information regarding the plant quarantine status in member countries.
Participants also highlighted the importance of improving early warning mechanisms for phytosanitary risks and expanding practical cooperation between national plant quarantine authorities. They expressed their readiness to continue close cooperation, deepen coordination, and implement joint measures to ensure phytosanitary security and foster socio-economic and trade relations among SCO member states.
