Batumi will host the International Maritime Forum on September 7-8, under the patronage of the Prime Minister, with the support of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development and organized by the Maritime Transport Agency.

The internationally significant event was first held in Batumi in 2016 and aims to strengthen Georgia’s status as a maritime country, highlight the development potential of the Middle Corridor, and enhance regional transport connectivity at the global level. This year’s forum, the region’s largest discussion platform, will be held under the slogan: “Where Seas Meet Corridors”.

The forum brings together governments, leaders of the maritime transport and logistics industries, experts and international organizations. More than 300 delegates from several dozen countries will have an opportunity to interact in Batumi this year.

Key topics of discussion will include the Middle Corridor, global trade routes, port development and regional integration. Particular attention will be paid to digital transformation, electronic navigation systems, port community systems and modern maritime safety standards.

Discussions will also focus on how technological development is transforming the operations of ports, maritime infrastructure and the sector as a whole.

Georgia will present itself at the forum as an important strategic hub, once again underscoring its role in developing transport corridors connecting East and West.

Over the two-day forum, five discussion panels will address issues including global trade, international cooperation in maritime governance, regulatory challenges in the maritime sector, digital corridors, human resource management in the maritime industry and other topics.

High-level meetings held under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization will also focus on the operation of the maritime sector under the “single window” principle and the development of dry ports.

The forum will also feature a presentation of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port project.