Anaklia Port central to Georgia-Uzbekistan talks, says Georgian Economy Minister

Georgian Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili said on Friday that discussions with the Uzbek delegation placed particular emphasis on the strategic significance of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port, highlighting its importance not only for Georgia and Uzbekistan, but also for the efficient operation and further development of the Middle Corridor.

In her remarks, Kvrivishvili noted that both sides engaged in substantive discussions on opportunities to further deepen bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

“During the meetings, we actively discussed how to further deepen trade and economic relations between our countries. Special attention was paid to the further strengthening of transport and logistics opportunities. During the conversation, special emphasis was placed, including from the Uzbek side, on how important the ongoing construction of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port project is - not only for Georgia, but also for Uzbekistan, since it will have great importance in the context of the Middle Corridor in general”, Kvrivishvili said.

She also highlighted discussions on the Georgian government's plans to modernise the country's railway network, a project expected to boost cargo-handling capacity and enhance the efficiency of freight transportation.

“During meetings with members of the Uzbek delegation, the importance of the Georgian Government's plan, which envisages the modernisation of Georgian Railways, was also noted. This will improve and increase the capacity of cargo flows”, she noted.

The Minister further noted that the discussions centred on ways to increase bilateral trade and broaden export opportunities for Georgian products.

“We also talked a lot about how to further increase trade between the two countries, which will give an additional stimulus to the export of products produced in Georgia and, in general, to the diversification of markets”, Kvrivishvili stressed.

“I would like to emphasise that within the framework of the visit, we will also have the opportunity, based on the issues discussed, to show members of the Uzbek delegation on site the ongoing construction of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port, as well as the Poti Free Industrial Zone and other port infrastructure”, she concluded.

Kvrivishvili emphasised that the visits would enable both sides to better identify opportunities for future cooperation and to develop a practical action plan aimed at accelerating the expansion of trade and economic relations between Georgia and Uzbekistan.