Transcript How important is regional cooperation for Afghanistan?

Map
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How important is regional cooperation for
Afghanistan?
“Situated at the crossroad of Central Asia, South Asia and the Middle East,
Afghanistan has a unique geo-strategic location to promote regional cooperation
not only in its surrounding regions, but also beyond. After decades of instability,
Afghanistan now has a unique opportunity to realize its potential as a “land bridge”
between the mentioned regions to facilitate the flow of goods, energy and people;
thus paving the road for regionalism built on mutual respect for national
sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
(Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Afghanistan)
President Karzai at the 14th SAARC summit said: “enhanced regional
cooperation must be pursued for the sake of regional economic and political
stability.”
(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
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Objectives of the Study

Convergence of Interests that drives regional cooperation

Existing institutional mechanisms that can promote regional
cooperation (SCO, ‘Heart of Asia’, Dushanbe 4)

Economic integration as one of the major means to foster regional
cooperation.
TAPI, CASA 1000 (as Case Studies)

Impediments to regional cooperation
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Net Cultivation of Opium Poppy in
Afghanistan, 2004-2013 (hectares)
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
131,
000
104,
000
165,
000
193,
000
157,
000
123,
000
123,
000
131,
000
154,
000
209,
000
UN World Drug Report 2014
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Production of Opium in Afghanistan,
2004-2013 (tons)
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
4,200 4,100 5300
7400
5900
4000
3600
5800
3700
5500
UN World Drug Report 2014
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Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India
Pipeline (TAPI)
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Concluding Remarks
 Afghanistan needs a strong economy, firm political institutions and social
infrastructures to address the multiple challenges the country faces today
 As important stakeholders, cooperation among the regional countries for
Afghanistan assumes greater significance
 Increase cooperation among regional countries to promote economic integration
and develop Afghanistan as a hub connecting different regions of the world
 Successful completion and implementation of projects like TAPI could be a
'game changer' for the region.
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Thank You