OMM Newsroom
Georgia intends to deepen economic ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and strengthen its transit capacity as competition grows over transport routes linking Central Asia and Europe.
Georgia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili presented the country’s transit potential at the Raisina Middle East conference in Abu Dhabi. She discussed opportunities to expand economic cooperation with the UAE and develop the Middle Corridor.
Speaking at a panel discussion titled “Resilience, partnership and the road ahead: the strategic future of the Gulf region,” Bochorishvili said Georgia has 16 free trade agreements, including deals with the European Union, China and the UAE.
She said the country’s strategic location and trade partnerships create broad opportunities for regional cooperation. Georgia’s ties with the UAE extend beyond bilateral relations.
UAE investment strengthens Middle Corridor links
Bochorishvili described Georgia as a key gateway connecting Central Asia with Europe and global markets. She identified stronger east-west transport links as one of the priorities for future cooperation.
The Middle Corridor runs from China and Central Asia across the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan and Georgia, and then reaches Europe via the Black Sea. Its importance has grown as countries seek to diversify trade routes and strengthen links between Asian and European markets.
The UAE already plays a significant role in Georgia’s logistics sector. Abu Dhabi-based AD Ports Group owns 60% of Tbilisi Dry Port. The rail-connected logistics facility links Georgia’s railway network with Black Sea ports. The project is part of efforts to improve cargo transportation along the Middle Corridor and expand trade.
Economic ties have also been strengthened by the Georgia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which entered into force in June 2024. The agreement aims to increase annual non-oil trade between the two countries from $481 million to $1.5 billion within five years.
Georgia calls for investment in transport infrastructure
Bochorishvili said Georgia, Azerbaijan and Türkiye had already laid the groundwork for developing regional connectivity through major transport and energy projects. She also noted that conflicts following the collapse of the Soviet Union had prevented the South Caucasus from fully realizing its potential as a regional transport hub.
The Foreign Minister called for greater investment in infrastructure, diversified economic partnerships and stronger cooperation based on trust. She stressed that excessive dependence on individual partners could undermine long-term economic resilience.
Despite its strategic location and broad network of trade agreements, Georgia faces challenges in turning its geographic advantages into a competitive international transit network. Its long-term success will depend on expanding transport capacity, improving logistics efficiency and ensuring reliable links across regional infrastructure.
Bochorishvili’s remarks in Abu Dhabi underscored Georgia’s intention to strengthen its role as a key link between Central Asia, the Gulf region and Europe, with the Middle Corridor central to that strategy.
