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How improved connectivity with Central Asia can contribute to the economic development and stability of Afghanistan

This year, for the first time, the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) is chaired by Afghanistan. The Government of Turkmenistan generously offered to host the SPECA Days, on 4-5 December, in Ashgabat under the chairmanship of Afghanistan. On 4 December, the SPECA Economic Forum will discuss how improved connectivity with Central Asia can contribute to the economic development and stability of Afghanistan during its Transformation Decade. In his opening statement at the Forum, UNECE Executive Secretary Christian Friis Bach will stress that the revival of regional and continental trade is key for positive change in the region.


On 5 December, the ninth session of the Governing Council of SPECA will hear reports on the activities of the six SPECA Project Working Groups that cover water and energy, environment, trade, transport and border crossing, statistics, knowledge based development and gender and economy. The Council also provides strategic guidance on the work of the Programme.


A side event of the 9th session of the Governing Council will explore how SPECA could play a role in monitoring and accountability for the post-2015 Development Agenda at the regional level. Delegates to the session of the Governing Council will also hold a brainstorming session on strengthening ownership of the Programme by its participating countries. 


For more information, please visit: http://www.unece.org/index.php?id=37171#/

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