Finance Minister highlights "significantly increased” traffic across Georgian customs checkpoints

Traffic flow at customs checkpoints across Georgia has increased "significantly", Georgian Finance Minister Lasha Khutsishvili said at an event dedicated to International Customs Day on Thursday.

The Ministry cited Khutsishvili on comments about “significant” effects made on the international logistics chain by the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, and resulting prospects of alternate connections.

It is expected that the cargo volume in the Middle Corridor will increase several times. Our customs department is continuously providing customs clearance for increased volume", the Minister said in reference to the logistics and supply route between Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia that has grown in significance since the outbreak of the conflict and search for alternative connections between the regions.

Khutsishvili said the "strategic task" of the Government was to develop and use the existing infrastructure "more effectively".

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The official also noted the “large-scale” infrastructural works currently underway in Georgia, saying the “principal phase” of the years-long works on road connections would be completed by 2024.

At the same time, railway rehabilitation, development of port and airspace capabilities in infrastructure are taking place”, he added.

Khutsishvili also revealed “completely new infrastructure” would be launched this year for the Lagodekhi customs checkpoint on the Georgia-Azerbaijan border.