The Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Tamar Ioseliani, met with the Secretary-General of the UN International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez.

According to the Ministry of Economy, the meeting took place on the sidelines of the Turkish Maritime Summit.

The parties discussed ongoing reforms in the maritime sector, the implementation of international standards, and opportunities to strengthen future partnerships. Particular attention was paid to maritime safety, support for seafarers, digital transformation, and bolstering Georgia`s role as a vital maritime hub in the Black Sea region.

Discussions focused on developing Georgia`s transport and logistics infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on the port sector, highlighting its strategic role as a Middle Corridor hub.

According to the Deputy Minister, Georgia is leveraging its geographical advantage to transform into a modern, reliable, and competitive transport and logistics hub.

By 2032, the country plans to invest approximately USD 7 billion in modernising its transport network, encompassing the integrated development of maritime, rail, road, and digital infrastructure. In this context, Tamar Ioseliani highlighted the Anaklia Deep Sea Port project. As she noted, marine infrastructure works, carried out by the internationally renowned Belgian company Jan De Nul, are already underway. By 2029, upon the completion of the first phase, the port’s throughput capacity will reach at least 600,000 TEU, enabling the country to accommodate large Panamax-class vessels.

It was noted that strengthening the Middle Corridor directly contributes to the resilient and seamless functioning of global supply chains.

The IMO Secretary-General highly commended Georgia`s recent achievements in the maritime sector.

Ivane Abashidze, Director of the Maritime Transport Agency, also participated in the meeting," the Ministry of Economy`s statement read.