The high cost of transportation and underdeveloped infrastructure remain the biggest obstacles to the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor, says Irakli Tsankashvili, head of Logistics Solutions.
“Today, the Middle Corridor is extremely expensive. Port services, rail, land, and oversized cargo transport all incur the highest costs, discouraging clients unless they have no alternative. Naturally, everyone prefers cheaper and faster routes,” Tsankashvili told BM.GE.
He also pointed to limited ferry capacity and difficult weather conditions on the Caspian Sea, which often cause long delays at the ports of Baku and Kazakhstan.
According to Tsankashvili, infrastructure development is Georgia’s most pressing challenge. “The Anaklia deep-sea port project has been delayed for years, while Poti’s expansion has stalled. Regardless of Anaklia’s progress, Poti will remain a key gateway, both must be developed,” he noted.
He added that high capital costs, corruption risks, and skills shortages further hinder progress. “Access to capital is difficult, interest rates are high, and corruption leads to projects staying on paper. We must also urgently train young professionals in logistics and sales to avoid a future workforce deficit,” Tsankashvili said.
He concluded that the success of the Middle Corridor depends on stable ties with the EU and the West. “The corridor connects two ends - without good relations on one side, it loses its purpose. Local efforts alone are not enough,” he emphasized.
