The New Silk Road Strategy: Implications for Economic Development in Central Asia

As the United States prepares to leave Afghanistan, questions remain about what the impact will be, not only in Afghanistan, but also in its neighboring countries. To assist Afghanistan’s economic development, the U.S. Government has accelerated efforts to integrate Afghanistan with the economies of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, and has built a framework for sustainable economic growth in the region modeled after the ancient trade routes of the Silk Road.

There are many questions, however, about the ability of these governments to create the necessary conditions for more trade and exchange, including infrastructure development, efficient customs regimes and reliable transportation networks. The deep political divisions in this region that prevent collaboration on basic necessities such as water and electricity are also hindrances to building greater economic cooperation. To address these and related issues, we have invited a panel of experts to discuss the current situation and the future outlook for economic development along the New Silk Road.

The following panelists are scheduled to participate:

Craig Steffenson, North America Representative, Asian Development Bank

Danica Starks, Senior Desk Officer for Russia, Caucasus and Central Asia, U.S. Department of Commerce

Eric Stewart, Executive Director, U.S.-Turkmen Business Council

Joshua Kucera, Freelance journalist and analyst