EWI and business leaders will meet with policymakers as well as think tank and NGO representatives in Pakistan to discuss opportunities to enhance economic cooperation. This mission will mark the next step for the Afghanistan Reconnected process – a series of conferences aimed at building trust between and producing security solutions in Afghanistan and its region – building off the recommendations of its last meeting, “Businesses Take Action to Unlock Trade in the Region,” held in Istanbul in November 2014.

The goal is to promote businesses’ leading role in discussing and advocating for the implementation of the priority trade policy measures identified in the Istanbul Conference. Focus will be put on regional trade and transit with and through Afghanistan and opportunities for economic cooperation in the region. Participants will also explore possibilities for cross-regional trade partnerships and collaborative ventures.