Georgian PM highlights country's decade of progress in regional connectivity

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday said the country had achieved significant progress in developing its connectivity function over the past decade.

In his address at the ongoing Silk Road Forum in Tbilisi, Kobakhidze noted that his Government’s goal was to further enhance its connectivity potential through large-scale infrastructure projects currently underway.

“We are fully focused on cooperation, and we are pleased that today the Prime Ministers of all three South Caucasus countries are united around the idea of peace. Everyone here has rightly emphasized that peace is a prerequisite for development, and we must continue to act in this spirit”, the PM said.

“Our plans are ambitious - major investments are being made in high-speed highways, railway infrastructure, ports, and airports. All these projects will contribute to strengthening regional cooperation. Georgia plays a naturally important role in our region - we connect at least seven landlocked countries to the Black Sea, and thereby to Europe and the West. We are doing our utmost to maximise this potential”, he continued.

Kobakhidze further emphasised that Georgia’s progress was also reflected in statistical data.

“For example, container shipments from China increased fifteenfold between 2023 and 2024. In the field of energy connectivity, progress is also substantial - over the past decade, more than 2.5 billion barrels of oil and 127 billion cubic meters of natural gas have transited through Georgia from the Caspian Sea to the West. These impressive figures boost Georgia’s economy and strengthen global economic ties”, he said.

Kobakhidze further highlighted Georgia’s ambitions in energy and digital connectivity.

“We aim to establish Georgia as a regional digital hub. One of the key projects is the Black Sea Submarine Cable, implemented together with our partner countries. This and other initiatives will further advance Georgia’s transit role and contribute to the development of the Middle Corridor - a crucial link ensuring strong economic ties between Europe and Asia”, the PM concluded.