Central Asia-Caucasus Institute

The New Silk Roads; transport and trade in greater Central Asia.

The fall of the Soviet Union, together with China's decision to conduct trade across its western border and the recovery of Afghanistan, have made it possible for Central Asian nations to locate themselves in the world economy. Long considered an isolating force that separated Asia from Europe rather than connected them, Central Asia is now poised to create a vast and comprehensive transportation infrastructure that will deliver people, gas, oil and hydroelectric power as well as goods to and from vast and virtually untapped markets. This surveys the progress and intentions of the countries most likely to benefit or at least be affected by this new Silk Road, including Aberbaijan, Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, The Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Each survey includes information about potential markets and materials, finance and investment, and existing and planned infrastructure, showing that Central Asia is like a new continent. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)