Georgia seeks to join China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan transport route

Georgia is seeking to join the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan transport route to boost trade and improve access to international markets. The country is investing in transport infrastructure and expanding economic ties with Uzbekistan.

Report, citing Georgia’s Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, said Deputy Prime Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili outlined her country’s plans at the 11th meeting of the Georgia-Uzbekistan Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation.

Kvrivishvili said Georgia was closely monitoring development of the new route and was interested in becoming one of the key links connecting Central Asia with Europe and other international markets.

“I would like to highlight an important new initiative that Georgia is following closely. We are extremely interested in our country becoming an integral part of the new China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan transport route and continuing to play a key role in connecting countries with Europe and other markets,” she said.

To strengthen regional connectivity, Georgia is upgrading its railway network. It aims to increase annual freight capacity from 15 million tonnes to 29 million tonnes by 2029.

Georgia and Uzbekistan have agreed on specific measures to expand economic cooperation. Kvrivishvili identified raising trade turnover between the two countries to $1 billion in the near future as a target.

The sides discussed investment opportunities, logistics and tourism, including the regional importance of Anaklia port. Georgia also announced plans to expand direct air links with Uzbekistan.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a joint protocol.