Politics of CASA 1000

Abstract

After gaining independence hydro-rich countries Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic were seeking for possibilities of developing their hydro-electric energy potential and export electricity surplus, but it was impossible without major investments in construction of electric energy facilities and transmission lines in these states. Another problem was poor cooperation of CA states. So CASA 1000 project seems to resolve this hydro energy export problem. Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic in Central Asia, Afghanistan and Pakistan in South Asia have been pursuing the development of a Central Asia South Asia Regional Electricity Market (CASAREM). These four countries have intensified their cooperation since 2005 among themselves and with the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) comprising the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the World Bank (WB).