Georgian PM: deepening trade, economic ties with Kazakhstan “important” for restoring Georgia’s connectivity, transit function

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday said restoring the country’s connectivity and transit function was the Government’s “ambitious” task and emphasised the importance of deepening trade and economic ties with Kazakhstan as part of the effort.

We have an ambitious task to fully restore our country’s historic role - which is the function of connectivity, the transit function - and in this regard, deepening trade and economic ties between Georgia and Kazakhstan is of particular importance”, Kobakhidze told the media during his ongoing visit to the country.

He said during his meeting with his Kazakh counterpart Oljas Bektenov earlier today the officials had discussed a range of projects aimed at enhancing economic cooperation.

I believe there is significant potential for us to collaborate more closely on various topics. Beyond political and economic matters, we also explored opportunities for cooperation in culture, sports, and education. We will make progress in all these areas, which is important for our country as well as Kazakhstan”, Kobakhidze said.

In his turn, Bektenov expressed his Government’s “firm decision” to enhance regional connectivity and “systematically” improve its infrastructure and conditions. He also emphasised Georgia’s “significant” role in this process during his meeting with Kobakhidze.

He expressed satisfaction with the “active” cooperation between the two countries in developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.

Over the past year, cargo traffic along this corridor has increased by 62 percent, reaching 4.5 million tonnes. This represents nearly a five-fold increase compared to 2021, reflecting growing confidence in the demand and supply along this route”, Bektenov said.

Trade between our countries remains to be a focus of attention. We see substantial potential for further diversification of our trade relations. Transit and transport are key areas of our collaboration. Both Kazakhstan and Georgia serve as vital links in transcontinental transport corridors, offering efficient routes that connect Europe to China and Southeast Asia”, he added.

Kobakhidze’s two-day visit to Kazakhstan began earlier today.