CSS / PMS Exam Notes
Regional Organizations
SCO ECO
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Economic Cooperation Organization
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SCO
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
1. Introduction
The SCO is one of the largest regional organizations in the world by population and geographical area,
promoting security cooperation, economic development, regional connectivity, counter-terrorism, and
political coordination.
2. Background — Shanghai Five
Established: Friday, 26 April 1996 — Shanghai
Founding members of Shanghai Five:
• China
• Russia
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Tajikistan
Created after the Soviet collapse (1991) to resolve border disputes, build trust, and improve regional
security.
3. Formation of SCO
Officially Established: Friday, 15 June 2001 — Shanghai
Six countries signed the Declaration of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Uzbekistan joined,
transforming the Shanghai Five into the SCO.
4. Members of SCO
Founding Members (2001) China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
Pakistan & India joined Friday, 9 June 2017 — SCO Summit, Astana
Iran joined Tuesday, 4 July 2023 — SCO Summit hosted by India
Belarus admitted 2024
Total Current Members 10
Current 10 Full Members:
sia 3. Kazakhstan 4. Kyrgyzstan
stan 8. India 9. Iran
5. Observer States & Dialogue Partners
Observers Mongolia, Afghanistan
Dialogue Partners Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar
6. Headquarters
SCO Secretariat Beijing, China
RATS Headquarters Tashkent, Uzbekistan
RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure) coordinates efforts against terrorism, separatism, and
extremism.
7. Objectives of SCO
A. Regional Security
Combat terrorism, extremism, and separatism.
B. Economic Cooperation
Promote trade, investment, and economic development.
C. Regional Connectivity
Improve roads, railways, energy corridors, and transport networks.
D. Political Cooperation
Strengthen diplomatic relations among members.
E. Cultural Cooperation
Promote educational and cultural exchanges.
F. Multipolar World Order
Support a balanced international system rather than domination by a single power.
8. Structure of SCO
Council of Heads of State Highest decision-making body; meets annually
Council of Heads of Government Focuses on economic cooperation
Council of Foreign Ministers Coordinates foreign policy
SCO Secretariat Located in Beijing
RATS Located in Tashkent; handles security cooperation
9. Pakistan's Role in SCO
Full Membership: Became full member on Friday, 9 June 2017.
Counter-Terrorism: Actively participates in RATS activities.
Regional Connectivity: Promotes CPEC as a link between South Asia, Central Asia, and China.
Economic Cooperation: Seeks trade expansion, energy cooperation, and investment through SCO
platforms.
Afghanistan Peace: Supports SCO efforts for stability in Afghanistan.
10. Achievements & Challenges
Achievements Challenges
• Joint counter-terrorism efforts • India-Pakistan rivalry
• Expanded from 6 to 10 members • Diverse member interests
• Platform for dialogue (Pakistan-India) • No common market (unlike EU)
• Growing trade and investment discussions • Afghanistan instability
• Potential China-Russia competition
CSS/PMS One-Line Verdict: The SCO has evolved from a border-security arrangement into a major
Eurasian organization promoting security, connectivity, and multipolarity, with Pakistan playing an
increasingly important role in regional cooperation and economic integration.
Quick Facts — SCO
Item Details
Full Name Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
Origin Shanghai Five
Shanghai Five Founded 26 April 1996
SCO Established 15 June 2001
Headquarters Beijing, China
RATS Headquarters Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Founding Members 6
Current Members 10
Pakistan Joined 9 June 2017
Iran Joined 4 July 2023
Main Focus Security, Counter-Terrorism, Connectivity, Economic Cooperation
ECO
Economic Cooperation Organization
1. Introduction
ECO is a regional organization promoting economic cooperation, trade, investment, transport, energy,
and regional connectivity among countries of Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East. The region
is rich in oil and gas resources, strategic trade routes, and large markets.
2. Background — RCD
Predecessor: RCD (Regional Cooperation for Development)
Established: Tuesday, 21 July 1964 — Members: Pakistan, Iran, Türkiye
RCD became inactive after the Iranian Revolution and changing regional conditions.
3. Formation of ECO
Officially Established: Monday, 28 January 1985
Founding members: Pakistan, Iran, Türkiye
Purpose: To promote regional economic cooperation and development.
Expansion — Sunday, 28 November 1992:
After Soviet collapse, 7 new members joined:
• Afghanistan
• Azerbaijan
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Tajikistan
• Turkmenistan
• Uzbekistan
4. Current Members (10)
1. Pakistan 6. Kazakhstan
2. Iran 7. Kyrgyzstan
3. Türkiye 8. Tajikistan
4. Afghanistan 9. Turkmenistan
5. Azerbaijan 10. Uzbekistan
5. Headquarters
Headquarters Tehran, Iran
Established 1985
6. Objectives of ECO
A. Promote Economic Growth
Increase economic cooperation among member states.
B. Expand Regional Trade
Reduce trade barriers and increase business opportunities.
C. Improve Transportation
Develop roads, railways, ports, and air links.
D. Energy Cooperation
Promote cooperation in oil, gas, electricity, and renewable energy.
E. Sustainable Development
Support economic and social development.
F. Regional Connectivity
Connect South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
G. Tourism & Cultural Cooperation
Promote people-to-people contacts and tourism.
7. Structure of ECO
ECO Summit Highest decision-making body; Heads of State and Government
Council of Ministers (COM) Highest policy-making body; usually meets annually
Regional Planning Council Implements ECO programs
ECO Secretariat Located in Tehran; handles administration and coordination
8. Major Areas of Cooperation
Trade: ECO Trade Agreement (ECOTA).
Transport & Connectivity: Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul (ITI) Railway Corridor.
Energy: Gas pipelines and electricity transmission projects.
Tourism: Promote tourism among member states.
Agriculture: Cooperation in food security and agricultural development.
9. Pakistan's Role in ECO
Founding Member: Helped establish ECO on Monday, 28 January 1985.
Gateway Between Regions: Connects South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
Trade & Connectivity: Promotes regional trade, transit routes; Gwadar Port and CPEC support ECO
connectivity.
Energy Cooperation: Supports regional energy projects to overcome energy shortages.
Hosting Summits: Has hosted important ECO meetings and summits.
10. Achievements & Challenges
Achievements Challenges
• Expanded from 3 to 10 members • Low intra-regional trade
• Platform for regional economic dialogue • Political instability (Afghanistan)
• ITI Railway and transport corridors • Weak institutional structure
• Growing cultural cooperation • Poor transport connectivity
• Competition from SCO and other blocs
CSS/PMS One-Line Verdict: ECO is a strategically important regional organization linking South Asia,
Central Asia, and the Middle East, but its future success depends on stronger economic integration, better
connectivity, and greater political stability among member states.
Quick Facts — ECO
Item Details
Full Name Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)
Predecessor RCD (Regional Cooperation for Development)
RCD Established 21 July 1964
ECO Established 28 January 1985
Headquarters Tehran, Iran
Founding Members Pakistan, Iran, Türkiye
Current Members 10
Expansion Date 28 November 1992
Main Focus Trade, Energy, Transport, Connectivity
Important Railway Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul (ITI) Railway