Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday said Georgia and Turkmenistan share a common interest in strengthening regional connectivity and international trade, adding that his Government would continue upgrading the country's transport and logistics infrastructure to make the Middle Corridor faster, more efficient and more competitive.

In his speech at the Georgia-Turkmenistan Business Forum, Kobakhidze said Georgia’s strategic location in the Black Sea region positioned the country as a key link between European markets, Asia and international transport routes, while Turkmenistan's economic strength, rich natural resources and growing export potential made it an important regional partner.

“Based on these shared strategic advantages, we attach particular importance to the development of the Middle Corridor. This route is gaining increasing global significance and creating new opportunities for cargo transportation between Europe and Asia”, he said.

“Georgia continues to strengthen its transport and logistics infrastructure to make the Middle Corridor faster, more efficient and more competitive”, Kobakhidze continued.

He further emphasised that the key projects included the modernization of Georgian Railways, the development of the East-West Highway and the construction of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port. 

“I would also like to note that, by Government decision, the Anaklia Deep Sea Port will be developed under the landlord model. Under this model, the state remains the owner of the port's land and core infrastructure, enabling Georgia to develop the port in partnership with multiple countries and companies, creating the best possible conditions for attracting cargo”, he concluded.