The area encompassing South and Central Asia represents one of the least economically integrated regions in the world. The U.S. New Silk Road Initiative seeks to promote greater regional connectivity through improved trade and transit, the development of regional energy markets, strengthened customs and border operations, and deeper people-to-people and business relationships. The initiative aims to further economic development and bolster peace and stability in a volatile region. What is the potential for this initiative, and what concrete steps have been taken? What are the challenges and opportunities for Afghanistan and the broader region?

Keynote:
Nisha Desai Biswal assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian affairs, U.S. Department of State

Panelists:
S. Frederick Starr, chairman of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute and adjunct professor of European and Eurasian Studies, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies
Mara Burr, senior vice president, Albright Stonebridge Group, and former deputy assistant U.S. trade representative for South and Central Asian affairs
Jan H. Kalicki, public policy scholar and lead for global and regional energy issues, Woodrow Wilson Center

Moderator:
Michael Kugelman, senior associate for South Asia, Woodrow Wilson Center