USAID and Maersk marked commencement of partnership with the aim of increasing the Middle Corridor’s efficiency and sustainability and expanding Georgia’s transit potential in the Trans-Caspian corridor.
The event was opened by the USAID Mission Director John A Pennel, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia Guram Guramishvili, Business Development Manager for Central Asia & Caucasus Region of Maersk Irakli Danelia, Chief of Party of the USAID Economic Governance Program Natalia Beruashvili.
The members of the Parliament of Georgia, Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, Ministry of Finance of Georgia (MOF) and the Revenue Service (RS), Land and Maritime Transport and Railway agencies, World Bank, USAID, the businesses, and sector specific associations participated in the event.
Presentations, made by USAID and Maersk representatives on their activities in the Middle Corridor, were followed by a panel discussion on the containerization of cargo transportation along the Trans-Caspian corridor; and the letter of cooperation signing ceremony between the USAID Economic Governance Program and Maersk.
“This USAID partnership with Maersk will strengthen the Middle Corridor, create economic prosperity, and help Georgia move closer to the European Union. Our support for the Middle Corridor is part of USAID’s larger partnership with Georgia to strengthen the country’s security, prosperity, democracy, and Euro Atlantic integration,” said USAID Mission Director John A Pennell.
“Maersk Georgia will contribute to the development of the transport and logistics sector in Georgia and support the country's transit potential by increasing the level of containerization in the Middle Corridor, which will also have a positive impact on the intensity of the trade and economic connection between the European Union and Central Asia, “ said Business Development Manager for Central Asia & Caucasus Region of Maersk Irakli Danelia.
Accoring to the letter of cooperation the USAID Economic Governance Program and Maersk Georgia LLC will partner to support the development of the transport and logistics sector in Georgia and will jointly promote the Trans-Caspian corridor through conferences/meetings with public and private stakeholders.
The event was open to the media.
USAID first opened its doors in Georgia in 1992. In total, USAID has invested approximately $1.9 billion in programs to help Georgia to build effective and accountable public institutions; improved education, healthcare, and other public services; an economy that creates jobs and prosperity for workers, families, and communities across the country; and democratic processes that put citizens at the center. USAID currently invests in 40 development programs that support Georgia in a number of key areas – economic growth, energy security, education, democratic governance, and many others – all of which are aligned with Georgia’s domestic priorities to strengthen its security, prosperity, and democracy and to continue advancing toward Europe. For more information, please visit: https://www.usaid.gov/georgia.
Maersk is an integrated logistics company working to connect and simplify its customers’ supply chains. As a global leader in logistics services, the company operates in 130 countries (incl. Georgia) and employs more than 100,000 people. Maersk is aiming to reach net zero emissions by 2040 across the entire business with new technologies, new vessels, and green fuels. The company is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, and has business activities in ocean, air and land transportation, port and terminal operations, supply chain management as well as warehousing & distribution.”
