Georgia Highlights Its Focus on Strengthening Middle Corridor at COP29

Photo: agenda.ge

Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili on Wednesday emphasised the importance of enhancing the Middle Corridor, a logistics route connecting Central Asia and China to Europe via the South Caucasus through Georgia, during his participation in the Ministerial Roundtable held as part of the ongoing 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Speaking at the Roundtable, entitled Sustainable and Digital Middle Corridor and Beyond, Davitashvili outlined the Government’s commitment to increasing the stability and durability of the route by enhancing its infrastructure, The Caspian Post reports, citing Georgian media.

He highlighted Georgia’s strategic role as a link between Europe and Asia, underlining the growing significance of the region in international trade.

During his address, Davitashvili shared insights into Georgia’s transport and logistics sector.

"The sector has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with a 36 percent increase in 2022 and a 13 percent rise in 2023. The country’s international traffic flows have also been on the rise, reaching a volume of 27 million tonnes last year. However, the transport sector is still one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the need for continued efforts to make the sector more environmentally friendly", the Minister said.

Davitashvili discussed key railway initiatives that aim to boost railway traffic and the overall effectiveness of the Middle Corridor highlighting the modernisation of the domestic railway system and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line. He said these developments were expected to enhance the competitiveness of railway transport, which he described as “one of the most eco-friendly modes of transportation”.

According to the Minister, the modernisation project, which he said was nearing completion, would increase the railway's annual capacity from 27 million to 48 million tonnes while reducing operational costs.

Furthermore, Davitashvili reported on the construction progress of the country’s East-West highway, with 70 percent already open for traffic, emphasising new roads were being built in line with “European safety standards”.

"Additionally, the implementation of ‘smart’ transport systems aims to enhance the efficiency and management of the road network. The Anaklia deep sea port project holds strategic importance, with an initial capacity of at least 600,000 containers. The port will be equipped with the latest technologies and equipment to meet modern requirements," he said.

The Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to adhering to international transport standards through its engagement in numerous United Nations agreements. He expressed readiness for collaborative efforts with partner countries to enhance the “sustainability, reliability, and attractiveness” of the Middle Corridor.