Tbilisi Dry Port to boost regional trade, strengthen Georgia’s transit role, says PM

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday said the Tbilisi dry port would play a key role in increasing trade flows in the Caucasus and Central Asia region, further strengthening the country's transit function.

In his speech at the opening ceremony of the Tbilisi Dry Port, Kobakhidze noted that the Dry Port – the first modern rail-based container and freight terminal in the region – was officially launched and starting its full-scale operations.

“The Tbilisi Dry Port is being developed in three phases on a 28.5-hectare area. The first phase is already operational, following an investment of $21 million, and allows for the handling of up to 100,000 containers annually. Upon completion of the remaining phases, the port's capacity will increase to 200,000 containers per year”, Kobakhidze said.

Prime Minister noted that the port would not only serve Georgian ports but would also function as a container hub and depot for international maritime lines.

“This will significantly enhance container handling and movement operations, especially for cargo shipped from China and the Far East via the Middle Corridor. Thanks to its strategic location - with direct access to international highways, connection to the national railway network, proximity to the borders of Armenia and Azerbaijan, and closeness to Tbilisi International Airport - the dry port is set to become one of the most efficient logistics centers in the region”, he continued.

Kobakhidze thanked the investors - Abu Dhabi Ports Group, partners from the United Arab Emirates, Norwegian Wilhelmsen Port Services, the local company Iveco, as well as all engineers and builders who contributed to the implementation of this very important project.

“This project represents a major step forward for our country on the path to economic development and regional infrastructure growth. All of this will further enhance Georgia’s connectivity and transit capabilities, positioning our country as a hub for the entire region”, he concluded.