Former Deputy Economy Minister Nika Alavidze argues that the economic opportunities created by the Russia-Ukraine war should not be mistaken for a long-term development strategy, particularly given the reputational risks associated with them.
Speaking to BMGTV, Alavidze said Georgia's growing engagement with Central Asian countries is important, but warned against presenting Asia as an alternative to the West. According to him, Georgia’s key advantage is not its geography but its geopolitical role as a trusted link between Central Asia and Western markets, institutions, and standards.
“Central Asia needs access to Europe, and Europe needs access to Asia,” Alavidze said. “If Georgia limits itself to a purely geographic transit function, it risks becoming nothing more than a corridor with limited long-term benefits.”
He argued that Georgia’s value lies in strong institutions, legal predictability, financial transparency, and close integration with Western systems. Losing Western trust, he said, would weaken the country’s strategic importance not only for Europe but also for Central Asian partners seeking greater access to global markets, capital, and technology.
