MINISTRY OF ECONOMY
AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OF GEORGIA

At the Ministerial Meeting of the countries of the European Union, Central Asia, the South Caucasus and the Black Sea region, Mariam Kvrivishvili spoke about the opportunities through which Georgia can contribute to the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and the establishment of closer transport links between the region and the European Union. The Minister stated that Georgia is a reliable partner in the region and as a country connecting Europe and Asia, it is ready to cooperate with the EU and all relevant partners to strengthen the safety of the Black Sea region, in line with the ambitious goals set out in the EU Strategy for the Black Sea region.

The Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development stated that the EU Global Gateway initiative signifies a unified approach to infrastructure development and promotes partnerships based on mutual respect, a shared vision, and long-term economic value.

As Mariam Kvrivishvili noted, Georgia is turning its geography into an economic advantage, strengthening its sovereignty by increasing connectivity, and positioning itself as an important and trustworthy connecting country between Europe and Asia. In her assessment, the initiatives implemented by Georgia strengthen the region’s economic security and create a more stable, predictable environment.

The Minister said that Georgia is taking important steps for the development of the Middle Corridor, aiming to strengthen the country’s infrastructure, increase transport capacity and ensure the continuity of logistical processes. Among relevant initiatives, Mariam Kvrivishvili highlighted the modernization of Georgian Railway, which has resulted in a doubling of the railway’s capacity and a halving of container transit time. The Minister also focused on such projects as the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, the East-West Highway, the Anaklia Deep Sea Port, and other initiatives that make Georgia an even more competitive segment of the transcontinental network.

“The modernization of Georgia’s transport and logistics network is aimed at enabling the country to reliably facilitate the unimpeded passage of growing trade flows between Europe and Asia. The development of the Middle Corridor is our important priority for improving regional connectivity, developing transport systems, and accelerating logistical processes” – the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development stated.

According to Mariam Kvrivishvili, Georgia continues to simplify transit procedures, including electronic data exchange, harmonization of customs processes, and closer integration with regional and European digital systems. The Minister noted that Georgia places great emphasis on harmonization, interoperability, and integrated data systems to promote sustainable, green transport and further improve coordination mechanisms along the corridor. Mariam Kvrivishvili specified that the digitalization remains a key issue on the connectivity agenda and aligns with the EU’s digital transport initiatives.

The Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development assessed that in an era of global challenges and changing trade dynamics, regional transport links and initiatives, including the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and the Middle Corridor, have become a reliable symbol of resilience and cooperation.

The Transport Ministerial Meeting of the EU, Central Asia, South Caucasus, and Black Sea region countries was attended by EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, as well as ministers, deputy ministers, ambassadors and transport experts from Uzbekistan, Lithuania, Romania, Turkey, Czechia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Armenia, France, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Latvia and Slovakia.