Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday said that demand for Georgia’s transport corridor was growing rapidly, emphasising the need to respond with modern infrastructure.

Speaking at the ceremony marking the launch of the construction of a new pier at the Port of Poti, Kobakhidze highlighted that Georgia continues the full modernisation of its transport network, including port expansion, the construction of the Anaklia deep-sea port, and the upgrading of railway and highway systems.

He noted that the new project is an integral part of this strategic vision.

“We continue the full modernisation of the country’s transport network: we are expanding ports, building the Anaklia deep-sea port, and upgrading railway and road highways. Today’s project is an integral part of this strategic vision”, the Prime Minister said.

He further added that Georgia has become a strong economic and logistics hub creating added value for international trade flows.

“In recent years, the Middle Corridor has developed into one of the most reliable and competitive routes between Europe and Asia. In this process, we are no longer just a geographical bridge - Georgia has become a strong economic and logistics hub that creates added value for international trade turnover”, Kobakhidze noted.

“In the first five months of this year, cargo turnover in Georgian ports increased by 21 percent. It is important that this growth is observed across all major categories. As for the new seaport in Poti, cargo turnover there has increased by 78 percent over the past three years. These figures clearly indicate that demand for our transport corridor is growing rapidly”, he continued.

Kobakhidze concluded by emphasising that the Georgian Government's task was to respond to this demand with modern infrastructure. 

“That is why we continue the full modernisation of the country’s transport network: expanding ports, building the Anaklia deep-sea port, and upgrading railway and highway systems. Today’s project is an integral part of this strategic vision. This initiative is another important step toward strengthening our transit potential and economic development. Congratulations on this day, and I wish you success”, the Prime Minister said.