TRACECA Transit Potential Discussed in Tbilisi

During the meeting, Ms. Tamar Ioseliani, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, congratulated Mr. Jasurbek Choriev on his election to the post of Secretary General of the PS IGC TRACECA and wished him success. The sides focused on matters of interaction within the corridor, with particular emphasis on the importance of the digital transformation of the TRACECA corridor and the introduction of modern electronic systems to optimise freight flows. 

From digital matters, the dialogue moved on to the development of transit potential and regional connectivity. During the meeting, Ms. Ioseliani drew special attention to facilitating the integration of transport networks and the development of the Middle Corridor. The Deputy Minister emphasised the strategic importance for the entire region of such large-scale infrastructure projects as the construction of the deep-water port of Anaklia, the modernisation of the railway and the construction of the new Tbilisi international airport. At the same time, a substantial increase in the country’s logistics and transit potential has been facilitated by the modernisation of Georgia’s transport network: large-scale investment in infrastructure, the updating of legislation and the reform of the relevant institutions.           

The dialogue continued with a discussion of the railway sector. It was attended by Mr. Lasha Abashidze, Director General of Georgian Railway JSC, who, together with the participants in the meeting, reviewed the current freight traffic trends. The sides emphasised the growing role of well-coordinated work between the railways and port complexes in diversifying trade routes, transforming regional logistics flows and deepening international cooperation. 

The outcome of the meeting at the Ministry was the confirmation of Georgia’s commitment to actively pursuing cooperation in the TRACECA format and to enhancing the security and economic attractiveness of the corridor Europe-the Caucasus-Asia. 

Continuing the visit, the Secretary General assessed the current situation with freight transport on the Georgian Military Road towards the Upper Lars checkpoint. The sides discussed the capacity of this mountain section, the trends in commercial traffic and measures to minimise delays at the border.          

During the working visit of the Secretary General of the PS IGC TRACECA, the sides reaffirmed their readiness to jointly seek effective solutions for the optimisation of all key transport hubs. The sides expressed confidence that seamless work and the introduction of end-to-end digital standards will help to remove logistics barriers at borders and make the corridor Europe-the Caucasus-Asia as fast and secure as possible.

Background:

The Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia is the key state body coordinating the country’s transport policy. The Ministry ensures the practical implementation of the Basic Multilateral Agreement on International Transport for Development of the Corridor Europe-the Caucasus-Asia. The functions of the National Secretary of the PS IGC TRACECA in Georgia are officially assigned to Deputy Minister Ms. Tamar Ioseliani.