Georgian Deputy Economy Minister: Georgia develops 10-year plan for transport sector, Georgian Railways to play key role

Tamar Ioseliani, Georgia’s Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, said on Thursday that Georgia has developed a 10-year plan for the development of its transport sector, with Georgian Railways set to play a crucial role.

In an interview with Imedi TV, Ioseliani noted that the World Bank expects global economic growth of around 3.3%, while Georgia’s economic growth is projected at approximately 3.6%.

“The World Bank has published a very important report, which says that freight volumes along the Middle Corridor will quadruple by 2040, while transit times will be reduced by two-thirds. Employment in the countries participating in the corridor is also expected to increase, with approximately 2 million new jobs to be created”, Ioseliani said.

“We have developed a 10-year plan for how Georgia’s transport sector should develop, and Georgian Railways has a particularly important role to play in this process”, she added.

She noted that, according to preliminary data for the first nine months of the year, Georgian Railways recorded an approximately 13% increase in freight transportation, with 11 million tonnes of cargo already transported.

Ioseliani also highlighted strong growth at Georgia’s ports, which have recorded a 24% increase in activity. Container traffic has risen by approximately 10%, reaching a record level over the past decade.

“Our ports are currently operating at maximum capacity. Construction of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port is progressing according to schedule. The port is expected to become fully operational in 2029 and will be able to receive deep-sea vessels, which Georgia currently lacks the capacity to accommodate”, she concluded.