Georgian Deputy Economy Minister: Georgia aims to strengthen role in global trade through transport sector development

Tamar Ioseliani, Georgia’s Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, said on Wednesday that the country is pursuing a long-term strategy to strengthen its transport sector and enhance its role in global trade, with a particular focus on increasing the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor.

Speaking after the two-day International Maritime Forum in Batumi, Ioseliani highlighted discussions on Georgia’s transport priorities, the development of the Middle Corridor, and cooperation with international maritime organizations.

“We attach the utmost importance to the transport sector and have a clear long-term vision for its development, which we are implementing consistently. From a regional perspective, we discussed the role of the Middle Corridor in global trade and the steps we, together with our partner countries, are taking to make the route more competitive and to ensure that we remain reliable partners within the global trading system”, she said.

Ioseliani also emphasised the significance of bilateral meetings held during the forum, particularly with representatives of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

“I would highlight the role of the International Maritime Organisation and the visit of its Secretary-General. His presence underscores both the importance of the forum and the relevance of the issues discussed”, she noted.

The Deputy Minister further pointed to meetings with leading international companies in the maritime and logistics sectors.

“We met with private-sector representatives, including Columbia Shipmanagement, one of the largest employers of Georgian seafarers; COSCO Shipping, one of the world’s major container shipping companies; and Abu Dhabi Ports. We held productive bilateral meetings with all of them”, she said.

According to Ioseliani, important discussions also took place with representatives of partner countries, including Kazakhstan, Turkey, and Armenia.

“Such high-level dialogue provides an opportunity to discuss key areas of cooperation, plan future initiatives, and achieve the positive results that Georgia’s transport sector has been delivering for years”, she concluded.