Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is an international political group whose member states are China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Its stated aims include promoting cross-border relations, trade, stability, and co-operation in a broad range of fields, including education, energy, science, technology, tourism and the environment. It comprises the Heads of State Council (HSC), which meets annually to direct the activities of the SCO, and the Heads of Government Council (HGC), which is involved with detailed strategy and budgetary concerns.