In 2013 and 2014, the EastWest Institute is organizing a series of high-level consultations to address regional economic security issues in Afghanistan post-2014, also known as the Abu Dhabi Process. By convening high level representatives of governments, parliaments and the private sector from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, China, U.A.E., United States and Europe, as well as from regional and international organizations, EWI intends to identify and promote opportunities for economic growth for both Afghanistan and the region. The first meeting, held in April 2013 in Istanbul, was centered on infrastructure issues.

The focus of the Islamabad meeting was be on Afghanistan’s potential to act as a transit route for energy supplies from Central Asia to energy markets in South Asia—a scenario with win-win potentials for many stakeholders. High-level representatives included Pakistan’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi; Chief Minister of Punjab Shahbaz Sharif; Advisor to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz. Representatives from Afghanistan, Central Asia, India, U.A.E., Turkey, United States and EU drew from their experience.

The meeting was conducted under the Chatham House Rule with the participation of selected media.

Read the event's Summary and Recommendations report.