First Vice Prime Minister / Minister of Economy is participating in the ministerial conference titled “Sustainable and Digital Development in and Beyond the Middle Corridor” in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Levan Davitashvili highlighted in his speech the increasing significance of the Middle Corridor and Georgia’s role as a key connector between Europe and Asia.

As he underlined, the Georgian government’s priority is to enhance the sustainability and resilience of the Middle Corridor through infrastructure improvements.

The Minister provided an overview of Georgia’s current transportation and logistics sector, discussing growth trends and specific projects vital to the Middle Corridor’s functionality.

“Georgia’s transport and logistics sector has seen significant growth in recent years, with a 36% increase in 2022 and a further 13% in 2023. International transport flows through the country also rose, reaching 27 million tons last year. However, it is important to note that the transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the need for continued efforts aimed at greening the sector”, - said Levan Davitashvili.

He focused on initiatives supporting the development of railway traffic and enhancing the Middle Corridor’s potential. Davitashvili highlighted 2 major railway projects: railway modernization and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line.

“Both initiatives significantly improve the competitiveness of railway transport, one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transportation. Moreover, the railway modernization process is nearing completion, which will reduce operational costs and increase the railway’s annual capacity from 27 million to 48 million tons. Besides, the construction of the East-West highway is progressing well, with 70% already open for traffic. New roads are being built under European road safety standards. Furthermore, smart transport systems are being implemented to enhance the efficiency and management of the road network. The Anaklia Deep Water Port project is strategically significant, with an initial capacity of at least 600,000 containers. This port will be equipped with the latest technologies and modern facilities that meet current standards”, - added the Minister.

The ministerial conference is being held in the framework of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), organized in a roundtable format by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and the UN Economic Commission for Europe. Representatives from nations along the Middle Corridor, EU countries, and international organizations are participating to discuss existing progress, future developmental prospects, and upcoming initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and digitalization within and beyond the Middle Corridor.