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Colonel Ted Hodgson U.S. Central Command Logistics Directorate

UNCLASSIFIED. Colonel Ted Hodgson U.S. Central Command Logistics Directorate . New SILK ROAD for Afghanistan and the Region. UNCLASSIFIED. USCENTCOM’S INTENT. USCENTCOM SUPPORTS the New Silk Road (NSR) INITIATIVE BECAUSE:

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Colonel Ted Hodgson U.S. Central Command Logistics Directorate

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  1. UNCLASSIFIED Colonel Ted Hodgson U.S. Central Command Logistics Directorate New SILK ROAD for Afghanistan and the Region UNCLASSIFIED

  2. USCENTCOM’S INTENT USCENTCOM SUPPORTS the New Silk Road (NSR) INITIATIVE BECAUSE: • NSR development potentially makes Afghanistan and every country in the region economically stronger. • NSR development potentially makes Central & South Asia the trade and transportation link between Europe & Asia. • NSR development enables U.S. & NATO transition in Afghanistan and the region from military to economic. Helps to move Afghanistan from Aid to Trade NOTES: USCENTCOM'S PRIMARY FOCUS IS SUPPORTING AND ASSISTING THE DEVELOPMENT AND/OR IMPROVEMENT OF: • Regional transportation infrastructure • Trade & transit practices and processes (customs, tariffs, etc.)

  3. UNCLASSIFIED The New Silk Road (NSR): A RegionalApproach To Afghanistan Long-Term Stability • Improved trade & transit holds potential to revitalize Afghanistan and the region • Ideally situated geographically to connect Europe, Mideast & Asia • Trade & transportation services provide economic growth & stability • Afghanistan is the focal point; goal is improved transportation infrastructure & trade development which supports economic development • Concurrently assists regional development of transportation infrastructure, trade & transit processes (customs, tariffs, border procedures) • NSR concept in development for years; now gaining traction • Department of State leading the U.S. effort • United Nations and European Support • USCENTCOM Theater Strategy for a prosperous & stable region • Afghan policy: “The Asian Roundabout;” Trade, Public Works Ministers UNCLASSIFIED

  4. UNCLASSIFIED Why USCENTCOM Involvement • Afghan transportation infrastructure & trade development is inadequate (or non-existent) to support economic development • 2014 International Security Assistance Force mission transition • Requires a coordinated and synchronized effort • Northern Distribution Network lesson: USCENTCOM can be the catalyst for transportation & trade development • USCENTCOM established a “Afghanistan Future” Interagency Working Group in March 2010 • USCENTCOM and Department of Defense subject matter experts, other U.S. Government agencies, academicians, international organizations, and non-governmental organization participants • Intent: incubate and assist New Silk Road strategy development and implementation, linking the disparate development projects into one plan • Supports Department of State led engagement with Afghan government UNCLASSIFIED

  5. UNCLASSIFIED The New Silk Road Efforts • USCENTCOM’s Director of Logistics leads rail development, surface tender programs, local procurement, and other transportation initiatives • USCENTCOMsupports development by • Coordinated & sponsored Afghan Trucking Network • Developed & coordinated USCENTCOM Surface Tender Program • Afghanistan First Program and Central Asian States Local Procurement Activities • Coordinating and assisting Afghan government with Rail development • Assisting Afghan government with developing Strategic Rail Plan • Using the Northern Distribution Network (NDN) “one piece at a time” model • Hairatanto Mazar-e-Sharif rail extension was first piece • Others include regional infrastructure, trade & tariff policies, and market development • Key element is strategic value of financial potential of Afghan mineral development and development of Afghan international trucking UNCLASSIFIED

  6. The Strategic Value of Trade & Transit • Trade & transit development is an economic enabler, building free & stable countries • Improves employment rate • Raises quality of life through increased economic activity • Can potentially improve regional governments cooperation with each other • Enables export of Afghan goods • Reduces need for foreign aid • Can reduce insurgent problems • Truck transportation will have immediate impact on Afghan economy. Together rail and truck transportation will benefit long term economic development in Afghanistan and the region • Public Private Partnership is the key enabler to supporting this transportation network

  7. Take-Aways • USCENTCOM activities support NSR development: • Route and regional transportation network security • Afghanistan First Program • Central Asian States Local Procurement activities • Expanded transit along the Northern Distribution Network • Improving customs & border crossing processes with regional partners • Afghan Trucking Network • Surface Tender program • Anti-pilferage container and trucking technologies Thank you for your time and support for the New Silk Road!

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