This article explores the interests of the Central Asian states as members of the SCO, their compatibility with the SCO goals. This study shows that the SCO is compatible with the Central Asian states's security and economic interests, regional cooperation, the need for balanced relations with the great powers-China, Russia and the United States. The interests of Central Asian members in the SCO can be identified as many: nation building- securing independence, non-interference and sovereignty; national security, protection of borders from internal and external threats; good neighbourly relations; control over and effective utilisation of natural resources; enhanced trade and commercial dealings; access to world commodity and capital markets; establishment of national and regional infrastructure for transport and communications. They are clearly most 'interested in the SCO's practical undertakings for regional security and development such as confidence-building, anti- terrorism activity, fighting drug trafficking.
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