Georgia is seeking closer economic ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as it looks to strengthen its position as a key trade link between Central Asia and Europe amid growing competition over transport routes connecting the two regions.
Georgia’s Vice-Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili highlighted the country’s transit potential at the Raisina Middle East conference in Abu Dhabi, outlining opportunities to deepen economic cooperation with the UAE and develop the Middle Corridor trade route.
Speaking at a panel discussion titled “Sustainability, Partnership, and the Path Ahead: The Strategic Future of the Gulf Region,” Bochorishvili highlighted Georgia’s network of 16 free trade agreements, including those with the European Union, China and the UAE.
She said the country's strategic location and trade partnerships offered significant opportunities for regional cooperation, with Georgia-UAE relations extending well beyond bilateral ties.
Bochorishvili stressed Georgia’s importance as a gateway connecting Central Asia to European and global markets, identifying stronger East-West transport links as a priority for future cooperation.
The Middle Corridor stretches from China and Central Asia across the Caspian Sea, through Azerbaijan and Georgia, before reaching Europe via the Black Sea. It has gained prominence as countries look to diversify trade routes and strengthen connections between Asian and European markets.
The UAE already plays a significant role in Georgia’s logistics sector. Abu Dhabi-based AD Ports Group holds a 60 per cent stake in Tbilisi Dry Port, a rail-linked logistics facility connecting Georgia’s railway network with its Black Sea ports. The project is part of wider efforts to improve freight transport and boost trade along the Middle Corridor.
Economic ties have also been strengthened by the Georgia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which came into force in June 2024. It aims to raise annual non-oil trade between the two countries from $481 million to $1.5 billion within five years.
Bochorishvili said Georgia, Azerbaijan and Türkiye had already laid the groundwork for stronger regional connectivity through major transport and energy projects. However, she acknowledged that conflicts following the collapse of the Soviet Union had prevented the South Caucasus from fully realising its potential as a regional transport hub.
The minister called for greater infrastructure investment, more diversified economic partnerships and stronger cooperation built on trust. She warned that relying too heavily on individual partners could undermine long-term economic sustainability.
Despite its strategic location and extensive trade agreements, Georgia still faces challenges in translating 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 connections across regional infrastructure.
Bochorishvili’s remarks in Abu Dhabi underline Georgia’s ambition to position itself as a vital link between Central Asia, the Gulf and Europe, with the Middle Corridor at the centre of its efforts to expand trade and attract investment.
Elon Musk was not on the ballot in Tuesday’s U.S. midterm elections, but he emerged as one of the biggest losers after Democrats swept to vic...
Uzbekistan has launched 145 investment projects worth $7.8 billion in its Bukhara region, aiming to create more than 14,000 jobs, boost industrial ...
Kazakhstan plans to manufacture 494 types of medicines through eight major investment projects worth a combined $862 million, Health Minister Akmar...
From international reporting and investigative documentaries to global forums and digital innovation, AnewZ marks two years of connecting Azerbaijan and the wider world.
Democrats captured majorities in both chambers of Congress on Tuesday, scoring sweeping victories that reached into Republican strongholds, with millions of voters delivering a strong rebuke to President Donald Trump.
Democrat wins surged on Tuesday across the United States with stunning victories in the South Carolina, Texas and Ohio senate races -- traditionally Republican strongholds -- in the 3 November midterm elections.
U.S. President Donald Trump says Washington will end its annual financial and military aid to Israel by the end of 2026, under an agreement he claims to have reached with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says the U.S. must act to prevent war after Tehran sent a “strong and rational response” to Washington. Meanwhile, U.S. forces have reportedly carried out limited strikes against Iranian targets, including Qeshm Island,
Uzbekistan has launched 145 investment projects worth $7.8 billion in its Bukhara region, aiming to create more than 14,000 jobs, boost industrial production and exports, and drive economic growth beyond the capital, Tashkent.
Iran and the United States remains far from a deal to end the conflict as tensions rise over the Strait of Hormuz. Following Republican losses in U.S. midterm elections, Tehran says Americans have rejected the war, while Qatar intensifies mediation efforts to prevent renewed escalation.
A century-old collection of postcards is bringing the human stories behind Azerbaijan's oil boom to life in a new documentary produced by AnewZ in partnership with the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR).
A new book examining Azerbaijan’s military strategy, technology and operations during the Garabagh wars has been unveiled in Baku, offering insights into the country’s victories and lessons for modern warfare.
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says the U.S. must act to prevent war after Tehran sent a “strong and rational response” to Washington. Meanwhile, U.S. forces have reportedly carried out limited strikes against Iranian targets, including Qeshm Island,
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment