Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 10/2014

Afghanistan Reconnected: Regional Economic Security Beyond 2014

Sarah Stern, Anna Mitri

June 2014

EastWest Institute

Abstract

Afghanistan’s economic development is at a critical and exciting juncture as international troops withdraw at the end of this year, and the country elects a new president. The EastWest Institute Brussels Center proudly presents Afghanistan Reconnected: Regional Economic Security Beyond 2014, which focuses on the economic opportunities of the country’s transition from a security and aid-dependent economy to one reconnected to the region. This report’s findings are the culmination of four meetings organized by EWI, which occurred in Istanbul, Islamabad, New Delhi and Berlin, over the last two years, on cross-border economic challenges and opportunities. These engagements enabled leaders from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Turkmenistan, Iran, China, the European Union, the United States and other nations to exchange ideas, identify opportunities and clarify obstacles to growth.