MINISTRY OF ECONOMY
AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OF GEORGIA

Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mariam Kvrivishvili delivered a speech at the 34th session of the UN International Maritime Organization Assembly in London.

According to the Minister’s assessment, the waters that connect continents, cultures, and economies with each other have always determined the identity and prosperity of Georgia as a maritime country.

“Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia goes beyond the definition of merely a Black Sea state – our country represents a gateway, a partner, and a bridge between regions whose future is becoming increasingly interconnected” – the Minister stated during her speech.

In her report, the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development emphasized the sharp growth trend of cargo flows in the Middle Corridor, which confirms growing international trust. Mariam Kvrivishvili also highlighted the Anaklia Deep Sea Port project, which, in her estimation, is a fundamental element of Georgia’s long-term strategic vision and aims at a significant increase in capacity and the formation of a new regional logistics ecosystem.

As the Minister evaluated, the Middle Corridor, which connects Europe, Central Asia and China via the Black Sea and the South Caucasus, has rapidly established itself as a reliable, irreplaceable trade route, and its importance is constantly growing, given that global supply chains are seeking stability and resilience.

“Georgia’s strategic advantage is determined by an integrated multimodal transport network that includes modern ports, an expanded railway network, and renovated highways, all functioning as a single system. This compatibility is crucial because it facilitates the efficient movement of cargo between Europe and Asia” – Mariam Kvrivishvili stated.

Mariam Kvrivishvili also stated that Georgia stands before the IMO member states as a dedicated partner for creating a maritime future that is based on cooperation, and is interconnected and sustainable.

“Georgia’s ports continue to operate stably: in 2025, compared to last year, we already have an increase in container volumes, and according to the current forecast, this indicator will exceed 700 000 by the end of the year. Such development emphasizes the fundamental principle of predictability, transparency and connectivity” – the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development noted.

In her report, the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development also spoke about Georgia’s economic development trajectory, which is unequivocally strong, with average real GDP growth reaching 9,8% in 2021-2024. According to the Minister, this dynamic has been maintained in 2025, and the economy grew by 7,8% in the first nine months of the year.

Mariam Kvrivishvili also spoke about the reforms carried out in Georgia’s maritime sector. One of the important issues on which the Minister placed special emphasis was the policy aimed at improving the working conditions of Georgian seafarers and the importance of the ongoing reforms in this regard.

“Georgian seafarers, whose number today exceeds 20000, are the true ambassadors of our country in the world’s oceans. Their professionalism, competence, and exemplary conduct in emergency situations deserve global respect” – Mariam Kvrivishvili noted.

As the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development noted, the certificates of Georgian seafarers are recognized by 74 maritime administrations, including 22 member countries of the European Union.