Investigating the role of the Wakhan Corridor in the economic development of Badakhshan

The economic potentials of the Wakhan Corridor, on the one hand, and the economic weakness of the Badakhshan Province and the landlocked situation of Afghanistan on the other hand, are an excuse to establish relations of a wide economic cooperation type. The special geographical location of Badakhshan has an impressive history and capacity in order to form commercial connections through the Wakhan Corridor between Central Asian countries. Wakhan Corridor is one of the areas that can; Such as: the distant past, to actualize the special geographical capacity of Badakhshan. Wakhan Corridor is different in terms of environmental conditions compared to other provinces, due to its economic situation, it can be the basis for economic development and growth in the region. But due to geopolitical conditions, this reality has not been achieved. The Wakhan Corridor in Northeast Afghanistan in Badakhshan province has a huge economic and strategic potential for Badakhshan and can be useful as an important transit passage. Connecting the Central Asian Republics, China, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Pakistan through the Wakhan Corridor can create extensive economic effects for Badakhshan and consequently for Afghanistan and the region. As a buffer country between Central Asia and South Asia, Afghanistan has effective transit advantages to advance the economic goals of its neighboring countries. This article raises the question that; what is the role of the Wakhan Corridor in the economic development of Badakhshan? With analytical-descriptive method to examine the variables; it deals with the economic importance of Wakhan Corridor and the economic development of Badakhshan. The most important guiding goal of this research; Identification and analysis of the role of the Wakhan Corridor in the economic development of Badakhshan. The research findings show that; Increasing trade through the Wakhan Corridor to Gwadar port will also increase trilateral relations between Pakistan, Afghanistan and China. Pakistan and Tajikistan are only 13 km apart at the closest point of the Wakhan Corridor, so the Wakhan Corridor can not only serve as a North-South Corridor, but by turning this land barrier into a bridge between Pakistan, China, Afghanistan and Tajikistan, as East-West Corridor also works and Afghanistan can have direct access to Central Asia rich in minerals and China-Eurasia Economic Corridor through Badakhshan.