MINISTRY OF ECONOMY
AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OF GEORGIA

"We welcome the joint development and promotion of the Trans Caspian Corridor by Georgia, Turkey and Azerbaijan,” – the First Vice Prime Minister of Georgia, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Dimitry Kumsishvili stated following the meeting with the Turkish Minister of Transport, Maritime and Communication, Ahmet Arslan. The development of the Trans Caspian Corridor was main focus of the conversation. The meeting was held within the framework of Dimitry Kumsishvili’s official visit to Turkey. 

Measures taken in this regard and namely, the meeting with the Chinese business representatives held within the framework of the One Belt, One Road format in Beijing, China, initiated by the Azerbaijan side. Representatives of the Governments of the Trans Caspian Corridor states attended the meeting and discussed the advantages of this route. It was noted that the continuation of the joint measures to promote the Trans Caspian transport corridor is of great importance.

First Vice Prime Minister of Georgia, Dimitry Kumsishvili noted that the development of the Trans Caspian or so called  "middle corridor" is very important not only for our countries but for the whole region. According to Kumsishvili, this is the shortest route from China to Europe in comparison with other alternate corridors, in which the development of the transport-logistic infrastructure is actively underway. Dimitry Kumsishvili highlighted the projects that will facilitate the process of attracting more cargoes to the middle corridor including the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway line, Modernization of Georgian Railway, construction of the East-West Highway, development of the Logistic Centers in Tbilisi and Kutaisi, construction of the Anaklia Deepwater Port and others. Ministers also emphasized the issues related to the taxation system in the corridor.

Topical issues in the field of transport and communications between Georgia and Turkey were also covered by the conversation.