Minister of Economy: Transit speed paramount as Middle Corridor’s strategic value and international interest soar

“Today’s forum takes place against the backdrop of significant shifts in international trade and transport links, as geopolitical challenges heighten the demand for alternative, dependable transit routes,” Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvrivishvili declared during her opening address at the Georgia International Maritime Forum (GIMF 2026) in Batumi.

According to the Minister, maritime transport holds paramount importance in this evolving landscape, accounting for over 80 per cent of global trade.

“The criteria defining competitiveness are undergoing a fundamental transformation. Today, competitive advantage is no longer determined by geographical proximity alone. A route’s ability to guarantee the swift, secure, and predictable transit of goods from origin to final destination is becoming increasingly decisive.

This dynamic is precisely why strategic significance and international interest in the Middle Corridor continue to grow. For Georgia, this represents both an opportunity and a responsibility: an opportunity to further solidify our role in connecting Europe and Asia, and a responsibility to meet expanding global demand through robust infrastructure and high-calibre services,” Mariam Kvrivishvili stated.

The Georgia International Maritime Forum (GIMF 2026) is being held under the patronage of the Prime Minister of Georgia, with the support of the Ministry of Economy and organised by the Maritime Transport Agency.