Georgia is one of the significant member-country on the TRACECA corridor

The principal aim of the Forum aimed at raising awareness on the critical necessity of ensuring healthy oceans, a delicate balance that a carefully devised and executed integrated maritime policy within the region and beyond. 

GIMF is not simply a biennial event but an ongoing project executed by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development through the Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia. The principal aim of GIMF is the promotion of the common values of international shipping addressing issues relative to this global activity.

The whole event offers possibility for inter action between the regulator and the industry and provides a dialogue between shipping personalities and environmentalists. GIMF is an opportunity to take the message of the critical importance of an integrated maritime transport policy and ocean governance outside Europe across the Black and Mediterranean Seas and beyond.

The conference of the Forum, held on 13 September 2018 gathered delegates from 53 countries, high level representatives of the maritime sector from different countries and regions. A Prime Minister of Georgia and members of the government attended the forum as well.

Participants of the Conference focused on discussion of the role of partnerships between International Organizations on the example of International Maritime Organization (IMO) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), IMO Liability and Compensation Conventions.

The International Maritime Organization, the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund, the European Union, the European Maritime Safety Agency, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Mediterranean Memorandum of Understanding for Port State Control and, the Global Maritime Energy Efficiency Partnerships Project hold meetings, training workshops and other discussions aimed at implementing frameworks for a fair, effective and sustainable maritime industry. 

During the visit to GIMF, Mr. Ciopraga had an opportunity to meet with H.E. Mr. George Kobulia Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia and Mr. George Cherkezishvili, TRACECA National Secretary, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia. The visit aimed at discussion of the further development and plan of activities in view of the main priorities of TRACECA Strategy up to 2026.

In addition, Mr. Ciopraga expressed his interest to get familiar with the ideas and proposals suggested by beneficiary countries concerning the future plans and ongoing projects within the framework of TRACECA program, including Georgia.  

The Parties exchanged views on the advantages of the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between CAREC Institute and PS IGC TRACECA and further cooperation.

Mr. Ciopraga emphasized that that Georgia is one of the major part of TRACECA corridor and its active involvement to all transport sectors namely maritime, road, civil aviation strengthens the development opportunities of TRACECA corridor. 

The necessity of ensuring sustainable development and effective improvement on the corridor are of great importance.On the outcomes of the meeting, it is agreed to continue detailed discussion on the most outstanding TRACECA issues during next trip of Mr. Ciopraga to Georgia.