Holding of the Maritime Forum is of particular importance against the backdrop of new challenges in the global economy, where the role of route diversification, supply chain resilience, and reliable connections between Europe and Asia is continuously growing. The Prime Minister of Georgia said this at the opening of Georgia International Maritime Forum in Batumi.

As he noted, for centuries, Georgia has been a place where East and West, Europe and Asia met, and today it is an integral part of the Middle Corridor, which holds great potential and strategic importance.

“I am glad that today in Batumi, at the Georgia International Maritime Forum, we are hosting representatives of partner states, international organizations, and maritime industry professionals.

Holding of the Maritime Forum is of particular importance against the backdrop of new challenges in the global economy, where the role of route diversification, supply chain resilience, and reliable connections between Europe and Asia is continuously growing.

For centuries, Georgia has been a place where East and West, Europe and Asia met, and today we are an integral part of the Middle Corridor, which holds great potential and strategic importance. According to the World Bank’s assessment, with appropriate investments and increased efficiency, cargo flows through the Middle Corridor could triple by 2030, while transit times could be cut in half.

To capitalize on this opportunity, we have developed a long-term plan. By 2032, we plan to mobilize approximately USD 7 billion for the development of key transport and logistics infrastructure. Our 10-year plan envisages doubling the railway capacity and halving the cargo transit time, doubling the capacity of ports, and tripling the capacity of international airports. This vision has already been followed by concrete steps and significant investments. We have launched a historical upgrade of the Georgian Railway - this year alone, more than one billion GEL will be invested in the modernization of railway infrastructure and rolling stock.

The construction of 75% of the East-West International Highway has already been completed”, - said Irakli Kobakhidze.