SCO Summit Momentum: China is pushing the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to broaden beyond security into economy, technology, transport and finance, with a 2026-2035 development strategy and plans for an SCO development bank highlighted by a Tajik economist ahead of the Sept. 1 Bishkek leaders’ summit. Regional Diplomacy Watch: Xi Jinping, Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin are set to meet in Kyrgyzstan for the SCO’s 25th anniversary, with Iran also expected to attend as US pressure on Tehran grows—an agenda likely to mix stability, trade links and digital cooperation. Tajikistan Tourism Push: Dushanbe has approved a $29.5m tourism development action plan to 2030, funded via state, partners and private money, including safety, workforce upgrades and the “E‑Mehmon” booking system. Cement Capacity Expansion: Tajikistan has broken ground on a new 1.2Mta cement plant in Khatlon, aiming to ease shortages and price pressure by 2029. Trade & Connectivity Finance: The ADB approved a $400m CAREC facility to modernize border crossings and cut logistics bottlenecks across Central Asia. Airlines Fuel-Saving Drive: IATA says fuel is about a third of airline costs and profitability is under pressure, boosting demand for data-driven fuel efficiency in Central Asia. Fuel Route Disruption: Central Asia is adjusting as Russian refinery disruptions reshape supply—Kyrgyzstan is looking to China, while Tajikistan seeks larger volumes from Iran.