The Deputy Economy Minister of Georgia underlined the country’s strategic importance as a logistics gateway between Europe and Asia during a panel discussion at the 23rd ministerial session of the Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation Programme in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Genadi Arveladze highlighted the potential of the Middle Corridor as a reliable transportation route linking the 2 continents.

“Against the backdrop of the growing popularity of the Corridor, the private sector’s interest in logistics projects is increasing. The trend would greatly enhance Georgia’s integration into regional and international transport networks… We are actively seeking investments in logistics and intermodal facilities to enhance the regional logistics hub of Georgia”, - the Deputy Minister noted.

He outlined ongoing strategic initiatives aimed at modernising the country’s logistics framework, including the development of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, the East-West highway, the Anaklia deep sea port project: “The adoption of a comprehensive logistics and transport strategy demonstrated the Government’s commitment to positioning Georgia as a key player in regional logistics”.

Arveladze stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation among CAREC countries to facilitate smooth cross-border transportation along the Middle Corridor: “With coordinated policies and actions among Corridor countries, we can expand our transport routes, facilitate trade, and foster sustainable economic development within the CAREC region and beyond. The proposed infrastructure projects will greatly enhance Georgia’s integration into regional and international transport networks, as well as boost the appeal of the Corridor”.

Furthermore, he pointed out the Government was prioritising the enhancement of port infrastructure on the Black Sea and was working to increase ferry traffic to neighbouring ports. He said an uplift in cargo turnover, with a 21% increase in the first 9 months of 2024 compared to the same period of 2023, was attributed to more frequent ferry connections with Romania and Bulgaria.

The CAREC ministerial session brought together high-ranking officials from member countries, along with leaders from the Asian Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the World Trade Organisation. The main theme of the session focused on identifying strategic goals and measures for addressing climate change in the region.