Dr. Ashraf Ghani

Speech at the Second Summit of CASA-1000 Member Countries

Keypoints:

Regional Cooperation: Strengthening ties among Central and South Asia.
Energy Connectivity: CASA-1000 for cross-border electricity transfer.
Trade Facilitation: Promoting regulated regional trade and transit.
Transit Hub Role: Afghanistan as a key link between regions.
Infrastructure Corridors: Integrating power, transport, and communication.
Shared Prosperity: Economic growth through cooperation.
Stability: Regional peace and reliable systems.
Investment: Encouraging energy production and regional markets.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Your Excellency the President of Tajikistan, Your Excellency the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Your Excellency the Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan, ladies and gentlemen; Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuh!

Historical Context and Commemoration

Today is a historic day; for the revival of the past inspires hope for the future. Allow me first to express my gratitude for the warm hospitality of the people of Tajikistan in general, and for the cooperation and hospitality of you personally, Your Excellency the President of Tajikistan. Afghanistan had the honor of being the first country to recognize the independence of Tajikistan, and we congratulate you on your twenty-fifth anniversary of independence. In these twenty-five years, you have traveled a long road, and it is hoped that you will be worthy of even greater successes.

Regional Vision and Economic Philosophy

We share a common vision regarding regional cooperation, and our relations are established based on a win-win formula for regional collaboration. Our experience of the past is of utmost importance. Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Northern India—which includes modern-day Pakistan and Northern India—had the largest volume of trade with Central Asia. Drawing upon the past, we believe in regulated trade and transit under the laws of the World Trade Organization. Freedom of trade and transit is a principle to which Afghanistan has aligned itself. Equality between states, especially landlocked states, regarding access to ports and the creation of a general atmosphere for trade is essential.

Strategic Infrastructure and Energy Corridors

In this regard, Pakistan and India are of vital importance due to their energy needs and large energy markets for both Central Asia and Afghanistan. CASA and TAPI were two great steps taken here; however, considering this successful experience, there is a necessity for us to seek the creation of connectivity corridors where electricity, fiber optics, railways, pipelines, and highways are all interconnected. I hope that, specifically in the area of energy, we can transmit 15,000 to 16,000 megawatts of electricity in general from Central Asia through Afghanistan's transit route to South Asia. If we do not think big, we will remain limited to small projects, whereas in the next four years, there is a clear possibility for Central and South Asia to be linked, creating a widespread system of social welfare.

Operational Progress and Technical Refinement

Regarding CASA, it is hoped that since the formation of the National Unity Government of Afghanistan and my brother Dr. Abdullah’s visit for the initial inauguration last year, the will of the Afghan government regarding the implementation of CASA and its all-encompassing efforts has not been in doubt. Both in terms of changing the design—from the initial design which was extremely expensive and impractical to the current design—and in determining transit rates and so on, Afghanistan has exerted its maximum effort to transform CASA from a concept into a practical project. At the same time, I wish to thank the government of Pakistan, the government of Kyrgyzstan, and the World Bank, through whose mutual cooperation we have been able to reach this day.

Legal Requirements and Implementation Logistics

We have also completed all procurement stages for CASA. The contracts are ready for signature, and financing and facilitation have been provided on our part. What is essential, based on the remarks of the honorable President of Tajikistan, is that the contracts must be signed simultaneously in all four countries. A country located in the middle cannot begin work alone without the assurance of the contracts of the other three countries. In this regard, either the World Bank must agree to provide a guarantee for the commencement of the contract, or—what is best of all—the contracts should start simultaneously so that we can move forward.

Future Prospects and Institutional Commitments

On this occasion, I would like to express my gratitude for the facilitating and financing role of the World Bank. Afghanistan considers CASA a first step—despite its magnitude—for far more extensive steps in the future, which is that the electricity trade system in the region should be fundamental, reliable, predictable, and possess a clear legal framework trusted by all. The investment opportunity that exists in electricity production in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan is a great opportunity. Afghanistan’s goal is to meet its domestic needs through internal production within four years; however, our role in transit is of equal importance. Therefore, we view domestic production and transit as simultaneous priorities, and regarding the proposals, we are ready to appoint a special representative who can make decisions as quickly as possible so we may move toward implementation.

Once again, thank you for your hospitality! To the success of this great project!