By: AISRS Staff Reporter
Kabul, Afghanistan – The Afghanistan Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies (AISRS) hosted a significant conference: “Crossroads of Connectivity: Afghanistan’s Role in the Belt and Road Vision.” In Kabul on Monday 14th July 2025. This event highlighted Afghanistan’s growing importance in China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
A mix of government officials, diplomats, and academics came together to explore how Afghanistan, located at the heart of Asia, can transform into a crucial corridor for regional trade and transit within the BRI framework.
During the conference, Nooruddin Azizi, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, expressed Afghanistan’s strong commitment to regional integration and welcomed the prospect of infrastructure investment and collaboration through the BRI.
Chinese Ambassador Zhao Xing pointed out Afghanistan’s potential as a “land bridge” connecting China, Central Asia, and the Middle East, emphasizing that lasting connectivity hinges on political stability and mutual trust.
Experts from academia, and policymakers discussed Afghanistan’s potential involvement in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Among the notable participants were Professor Wan Chen from Lanzhou University, who specializes in regional integration, and key Afghan officials like Dr. Abdul Latif Nazari, the Deputy Minister for Technical Affairs at the Ministry of Economy, Dr. Abdul Hai Qanit, the Director of the Third Political Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with political analyst Ziaulhaq Amarkhil and commentator Fazal Rahman Oriya.
The speakers pointed out that Afghanistan’s unique geographical position—linking Central Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and China—makes it an ideal corridor for enhancing connectivity across regions under the BRI framework. They underscored the urgent need for coordinated efforts in developing infrastructure, transport routes, and energy transmission lines. If these sectors align well with BRI projects, Afghanistan could transform from a nation plagued by conflict into a vital hub for trade and collaboration throughout Asia.
The discussion also highlighted the necessity of achieving regional consensus and ensuring political stability within Afghanistan to attract investment and maintain the longevity of these initiatives. Participants recognized that Afghanistan’s proactive involvement in the BRI could foster economic integration, lessen its isolation, and promote long-term stability—benefits that would extend well beyond its borders.
In summary, the event reflected a growing agreement that with a clear strategy and international cooperation, Afghanistan could evolve from being a passive observer to a key player in the Belt and Road vision.