Meeting of Heads of Ministries and Agencies of SCO Member States in the Field of Plant Quarantine takes place in Bishkek

On April 16, 2026, the 3rd Meeting of Heads of Ministries and Agencies of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Member States engaged in cooperation in the field of plant quarantine was held in Bishkek under the chairmanship of the Kyrgyz side in a hybrid format. The theme was: "Partnership in the Phytosanitary Sphere to Strengthen Trade Ties among SCO Countries."

Rustam Baltabaev, Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic, addressed the participants with a welcome speech noting the importance of ensuring food and phytosanitary security for SCO member states and the need to implement digital solutions.

The participants exchanged views on issues of strengthening partnership in the phytosanitary sphere as an important factor in promoting mutual trade in agricultural products, improving control and monitoring mechanisms, ensuring plant quarantine in international trade, as well as developing the electronic exchange of phytosanitary certificates.

T.R. Midhun, Deputy Secretary-General of the SCO, noted in his address that deepening cooperation in the phytosanitary sphere is an important component of ensuring food security and expanding trade and economic ties across the Organization's space. He also emphasized the need to introduce electronic phytosanitary certificates and develop information systems to optimize interaction between competent authorities and reduce barriers to mutual trade.

Following the meeting, a protocol was signed.