By 2027, the Middle Corridor, a key transport route connecting Kazakhstan and Georgia, is expected to handle up to 10mn tons of cargo annually. This goal was discussed during a meeting between Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, who is on an official visit to Kazakhstan.
The two leaders focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, transport and logistics, agriculture, digital technologies, and tourism. Prime Minister Bektenov highlighted that Kazakhstan’s President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, attaches great importance to strengthening ties with Georgia, and that continued dialogue at various levels is key to diversifying and expanding trade.
A major point of discussion was the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). Both sides agreed that enhancing infrastructure, increasing transport capacity, and improving tariff conditions would help increase cargo volumes along the route. Kazakhstan is also investing in Georgia’s infrastructure, including the construction of a new multimodal terminal at the port of Poti.
Kazakhstan’s exports to Georgia are on the rise, with over $66mn in Kazakh products, including petrochemical, metallurgical, food, chemical, and mechanical engineering goods, currently being promoted in the Georgian market. Both countries are working to expand trade under a Roadmap for 2023-2026.
"Over the past year, the volume of transportation along the TITR increased by 62%, to 4.5mn tons. In order to increase the potential of the route, as well as to eliminate "bottlenecks", we are working to improve the infrastructure, port and terminal capacities, increase the rolling stock, remove administrative barriers and create favorable conditions for carriers. The Government of Kazakhstan is determined to continue multifaceted work to ensure the dynamic development of the Kazakh-Georgian partnership in all areas," Olzhas Bektenov noted.
The leaders also discussed the transportation of Kazakh oil to world markets, with 1.4mn tons shipped via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline in 2024, with plans to increase this volume to 2.2mn tons annually.
Agricultural cooperation is also growing, with a 12.3% increase in agricultural trade turnover, totaling $71.2mn in 2024. Kazakhstan aims to expand its exports of flour, grain, vegetable oils, pasta, and dairy products to Georgia.
Prime Minister Kobakhidze expressed Georgia’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations, emphasizing the success achieved so far and the potential for continued growth in economic and cultural cooperation.
Following the talks, both leaders reaffirmed their intention to develop a strong, comprehensive partnership in trade, economy, culture, and tourism.
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