Levan Davitashvili, the candidate for Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, stated during a joint session of the parliamentary committees on Finance and Budget, Sectoral Economy and Economic Policy, Agrarian Issues, Environmental Protection and Natural Resources, and Regional Policy and Self-Governance, that the government aims to boost the sector’s competitiveness and establish sustainable, efficient transportation links that will play a vital role in the country's economic integration.

He emphasized that, in the coming years, efforts will be focused on attracting more cargo along transportation routes passing through Georgia, especially along the Middle Corridor.

Davitashvili highlighted that, in 2023, the combined container volume processed at the Poti and Batumi seaports reached 701,442 TEU, marking a 47% increase from 2022’s 477,094 TEU.

The ministerial candidate also noted ongoing efforts to establish direct ferry routes with Bulgaria and Romania across the Black Sea to strengthen transportation links with the European Union, along with plans to increase the frequency of these services.

Additionally, he mentioned several transportation and logistics projects that would help Georgia attract more cargo.

Davitashvili revealed that the process of selecting a private partner for the development of the critical Anaklia Deep-Sea Port is nearing completion. The port is expected to begin operations by 2029, with an initial capacity of 600,000 containers (TEU) annually, supported by an investment of 600 million USD.

He also discussed the railway modernization project, which aims to increase annual rail capacity from 27 million to 48 million tons, potentially reaching up to 100 million tons with the addition of an automatic blocking system.

Lastly, the construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway section, an essential part of the Middle Corridor, is also nearing completion.