“The government aims to enhance the sector’s competitiveness and establish sustainable, effective transportation connections that will significantly contribute to the country’s economic integration,” stated Levan Davitashvili, the candidate for Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, during a joint session of the parliamentary committees on Finance and Budget, Sectoral Economy and Economic Policy, Agrarian Issues, Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, and Regional Policy and Self-Governance.
As the ministerial candidate noted, efforts will be intensified in the coming years to attract additional cargo along transportation routes traversing Georgia, particularly along the Middle Corridor.
According to him, in 2023, the total number of containers processed at the Poti and Batumi seaports reached 701,442 TEU, reflecting a 47.0% increase compared to 2022 (477,094 TEU).
Levan Davitashvili indicated that work will continue to establish direct ferry lines with Bulgaria and Romania across the Black Sea to bolster transportation links between Georgia and the European Union and enhance the frequency of their operation.
He also highlighted various transportation and logistics projects whose implementation will help Georgia attract more cargo.
The ministerial candidate mentioned that the process of identifying a private partner for the development of the critically important Anaklia Deep-Sea Port is nearing completion.
According to Levan Davitashvili, the Anaklia Deep-Sea Port is expected to commence operations no later than 2029.
He stated that following the completion of the first phase, the port’s capacity will reach 600,000 containers (TEU) annually, with investments totalling 600 million US dollars.
Additionally, the candidate addressed the railway modernization project, which will increase the annual railway carrying capacity from 27 million to 48 million tons, and, if necessary, up to 100 million tons with the installation of an automatic blocking system.
The construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway section, a crucial component of the Middle Corridor, is also in its final stages.
