The ongoing Israeli-Iranian military conflict could have both positive and negative implications for Georgia’s logistics sector and the Middle Corridor, according to Giorgi Doborjginidze, Chairman of the Georgian Logistics Association.
In an interview with BMG, Doborjginidze noted that the regional instability caused by the conflict may force cargo owners and carriers to reconsider their routes, potentially to Georgia’s benefit.
“This conflict creates instability in the region. Carriers and cargo owners are likely to factor in those risks. However, the situation could also work in Georgia’s favor,” he said.
“Iranian ports are vital hubs for Central Asian trade. If tensions escalate, there’s a chance that some cargo may be redirected to Georgian ports, including Poti, positioning us as an alternative route in the region.”
Doborjginidze emphasized that cargo turnover through the Middle Corridor is already on the rise, particularly in container traffic via the Port of Poti. However, he also warned of persistent infrastructural and operational bottlenecks.
“Transport time and pricing remain key challenges. The Poti port is overloaded and in need of expansion. Connectivity between the Caspian Sea and Georgia’s Black Sea ports is critical. Without improving that, both time and cost efficiency will suffer,” he explained.
He stressed the strategic importance of the long-planned Anaklia Deep Sea Port, which could significantly enhance the capacity and efficiency of Georgia's logistics network.
“Compared to the Northern Corridor, the Middle Corridor still lags behind in terms of transport time. The second major issue is cost, largely due to inefficiencies. Accelerating the integration of rail and maritime transport is essential for improving both.”
While the geopolitical uncertainty presents risks, Georgia may also have an opportunity to strengthen its role as a key logistics hub in the region, if infrastructure challenges are addressed. The evolving situation in the Middle East could thus become a catalyst for both investment and strategic development in Georgia’s transport and logistics sector.
