CASA-1000: ITS POTENTIAL FOR REGIONAL TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The Central Asia South Asia Electricity Transmission and Trade Project (CASA-1000) is a trans-regional project aiming transition of 1300 megawatts hydroelectric power from Central Asian states; Tajikistan and Kyrgyz Republic, to South Asian countries; Afghanistan and Pakistan. This is not merely an energy project transiting electricity but having potential to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation among participating states beyond the regional level. After its successful completion, the project will help increasing regionalism to connectivity, surge development to mutual trade and serve energy complementary situation to new openings in multidimensional fields. The paper aims to highlight the likely opportunities and benefits of realization of the project.