OPINION Vol.1, No.1 June 2013 - National Defence University

Greater Central Asia Concept
With the underlying idea of integrating South and Central Asia, the two opinions about this concept
are noteworthy firstly; improving connectivity between South and Central Asia is a key element of the
concept of a “Greater Central Asia”. The two regions are, or can become, a single integrated unit committed
to economic growth. 2 Secondly, in January 2006, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced
reorganization of the US State Department’s South Asia Bureau to include the Central Asian states, and a new
US “Greater Central Asia” scheme. 3
Significance of Pakistan in Inter-Regional Cooperation
Significance of Pakistan is best illustrated by a well-known Indian scholar, Raja Mohan, who writes,
“Whether we like it or not, normalization of relations with Pakistan holds the key to a successful ‘Look West’
policy. Whether it is in gaining overland access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, ensuring India’s energy
security, expanding ties with the Gulf, or limiting the threat of Islamic extremism and terrorism in the
subcontinent, cooperation with Pakistan is essential”. 4 Pakistan serves as a bridge between South and Central
Asia providing the shortest access to the sea for all landlocked countries of Central Asia. The country also
serves as a natural gateway for India to Central Asia.
ECONOMIC AND ENERGY COOPERATION
There are good prospects in the South and Central Asian region for regional economic cooperation in
the fields of energy and trade which will help in bringing robust growth of economic activity throughout the
region.
Potential of CARs
Economic Growth. The economies of CARs have grown steadily over the years primarily due to the
returns from their natural resources. The GDP growth rate of CARs in 2011 is indicative of the
economic growth of these countries:-
Country GDP growth Rate (%) World Ranking
Kazakhstan 6.5 35
Turkmenistan 9.9 4
Uzbekistan 7.1 18
Kyrgyzstan 7 24
Tajikistan 6 46
Source: CIA World Fact book 2012.
Energy Reserves. Central Asian region has the third largest global reserves of oil and gas. The
region’s oil and gas production in 2011 was:-
Country Oil Production Oil Production (bbl) Gas Production Gas Production (m 3 )
World Ranking
World Ranking
Kazakhstan 11 30,000,000,000 14 2,407,000,000,000
Turkmenistan 44 600,000,000 6 7,504,000,000,000
Uzbekistan 47 594,000,000 19 1,841,000,000,000
Kyrgyzstan 81 40,000,000 90 5,663,000,000
Tajikistan 88 12,000,000 91 5,663,000,000
Source: CIA World Fact book 2012.
Mineral Resources. Besides oil and gas, Central Asian region is blessed with rich reserves of
minerals. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are major producers of Uranium; together they produce 20% of
the world’s uranium ore. 5 Region also has huge reserves of coal. Kyrgyzstan has eighth largest
goldmine in the world. Tajikistan has good potential for aluminium export.
OPINION Vol.1 No.1 2 June 2013