Since 2012, the Afghanistan Reconnected Process has addressed opportunities and challenges for economic growth in Afghanistan and the region. It convened high level representatives of governments, parliaments and the private sector from Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, China, the U.A.E, the United States and Europe, as well as from regional and international organizations.
This mission is the second in a series of visits to capitals in Greater Central Asia that EWI is undertaking in 2015 as part of its Afghanistan Reconnected Process. Subject of the discussions are the recommendations developed at the November 2014 Istanbul Conference, where the conclusions of previous consultations were summarized in concrete, actionable recommendations for reforms that revitalize cross-border cooperation, such as:
- Adopting long-term multi-entry visa regimes to facilitate movement of business people in the region;
- Establishing cross-border free trade zones to reduce smuggling and informal trade;
- Elaborating single window customs clearance systems to harmonize custom procedures.
For further information on the Afghanistan Reconnected Process, please contact Anna Mitri, Program Coordinator, Regional Security Initiative, EWI Brussels office (amitri@ewi.info; 0032 2 743 46 28).
