Secretary's Speech

Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez
Opening of Afghanistan-Tajikistan Bridge
Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Thank you for that kind introduction. It is an honor to be here on behalf of President Bush, and to be with President Rahmon and President Karzai and other distinguished leaders to celebrate this tremendous, collaborative effort.

Much as the Silk Road was integral to great civilizations in the past, the byways of this region are again proving to be a crossroads for commerce, peace and stability.

Today, we are here to dedicate the Afghanistan-Tajikistan Bridge over the River Pyanzh. This bridge is an important part of our broader commitment to develop the physical, legal and economic infrastructure needed to support regional trade and economic activity.

This structure is a tangible example of our joint efforts. It will be open 24 hours a day, with customs and border facilities on both sides, and the capacity to handle 1,000 vehicles daily.

It will shorten the distance between Tajikistan and the nearest seaport by several thousand kilometers. It will be a vital connection between Tajikistan and Afghanistan, and a link between this region and the rest of the world.

This bridge epitomizes the best in international collaboration. Several countries—Norway, Japan and the European Union—also joined in the effort.

Since the first pile was placed in January 2006, more than 450 Tajiks and Afghans worked together daily to build this incredible structure. Alongside them were workers from the Philippines, Thailand, India, Russia, Europe, Africa and North America.

I want to extend a special thanks to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Brian Walls, the project manager, who have been here since January 2004, devoting their tireless energy and efforts.

Everyone can be proud of their contribution to this bridge—a cutting-edge engineering marvel designed to withstand earthquakes and floods. And it was built all within 19 months.

It truly is a pillar of strength. And it is much more than 672 meters of concrete connecting two countries. It is a physical and symbolic link between Central Asia and South Asia.

It will help alleviate poverty on both sides of the border by increasing regional trade and investment, and stimulating small and medium-sized businesses and farms as well as encouraging water sharing, power, and transportation projects.

This bridge will also help facilitate greater cooperation between Tajikistan and Afghanistan on security issues.

The United States is proud of our role in building this bridge, yet it is just a part of our overall commitment to creating a climate for regional security and prosperity through trade and investment.

We’ll continue to demonstrate that commitment through trade forums and the recently signed U.S.-Afghanistan Joint Statement on Commercial Cooperation.

We’ll also continue to collaborate through:

• Initiatives on regional transportation and infrastructure;
• By fostering private sector partnerships;
• Supporting business missions to the U.S.;
• Providing training and capacity building and,
• By working with both governments to build markets conducive to private sector growth.

The businesses and citizens of this region will benefit from clear and consistent customs procedures, common documentation requirements and increased transparency.

Addressing these issues will benefit Afghanistan and Tajikistan, as well as this region’s relationship to the international community. The potential for growth is limitless. And the U.S. remains your committed partner.

Thank you, President Karzai and President Rahmon, for your strong support for this project, and for your leadership and dedication to the prosperity of your people.

One day soon we hope fruits, nuts, marble, rugs and other products of this region will cross this bridge into new markets around the globe.

Congratulations on your new bridge. May it be a bridge of friendship, of commerce and most of all, a bridge of peace to those who cross these waters.