Uzbekistan signals keen interest in Anaklia Port and Middle Corridor trade hub

“We discussed the steps that the governments of both countries will take to ensure that bilateral trade volume reaches USD 1 billion,” stated Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, following the 11th session of the Georgia–Uzbekistan Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation.

The co-chair of the commission noted that specific measures were outlined during the meeting to elevate the partnership between the two nations to a new stage.

“We mapped out specific steps that will help elevate our partnership to a new level,” Kudratov said, pointing to momentum built during Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s July visit to Georgia.

“Today we discussed in detail the actions both governments will take to ensure our trade turnover reaches USD 1 billion. Furthermore, we will actively promote joint ventures and mutual investment, both from Uzbekistan into Georgia and Georgian investment into Uzbekistan. We have already identified specific sectors and companies to execute these projects.”

Highlighting infrastructure and logistics within the Middle Corridor trade route, Minister Kudratov confirmed Uzbek commercial backing for Georgian maritime and manufacturing assets.

“Uzbek companies are already investing in logistics infrastructure in Poti. In addition, we have a very keen interest in participating in the development of Anaklia Port. We are also interested in establishing manufacturing capacity here across textiles, electronics, electrical engineering, and food products, enabling us to produce goods in Georgia and export them directly to Western markets,” Kudratov noted.

Emphasising the strategic importance of the South Caucasus transport corridor for Central Asian exports, the Uzbek Minister outlined new bilateral working groups to drive implementation.

“Georgia is our natural gateway to European markets, and we wish to fully capitalise on every opportunity and existing infrastructure. We have set up dedicated working groups focused specifically on trade, transit, and transport issues. I believe this systematic approach will yield tangible results in the very near future,” Kudratov added.

Closing his address, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade expressed his gratitude to the Georgian government for hosting the intergovernmental commission and for the warm hospitality extended to the Uzbek delegation.