Georgian PM: 24% increase in port cargo turnover reflects success of Government policy

Cargo turnover at Georgia’s ports increased by 24% in the first seven months of 2026 compared to the same period last year, while the government plans to invest $7 billion in port and related infrastructure over the coming years to fully unlock the country’s transit potential, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said in Batumi.

Speaking on the issue, Kobakhidze noted that the planned investment package will focus on strengthening port infrastructure and improving connectivity to maximize Georgia’s strategic advantages.

“There are many challenges, but despite this, we are maintaining positive momentum. Compared with last year, cargo turnover at our ports increased by 24% in the first seven months of this year. This demonstrates the effectiveness of our policy. We are doing everything possible to strengthen connectivity, and naturally, all of this has its own political context”, he said.

The Prime Minister highlighted Georgia’s growing engagement with Central Asia, noting that he had made three official visits to Central Asian countries in recent months, while two Central Asian presidents had visited Georgia during the same period.

“We have very close relations with Azerbaijan and Armenia. We connect seven landlocked countries to the Black Sea and, consequently, to Western markets”, Kobakhidze noted.

“Expanding political and economic ties is therefore our top priority. Cooperation with China is also particularly important in this regard. We have free trade agreements with many countries, and our country is benefiting significantly from these partnerships. Cargo volumes along the Middle Corridor are increasing overall, including at our ports”, he added.

Kobakhidze further stressed that cargo flows along the Middle Corridor have increased approximately sevenfold since 2020, bringing substantial benefits to Georgia.

“Naturally, we must continue these efforts in the future. Our foreign policy is fully focused on making the most of our strategic geographical location,” he said.

“We serve as a natural bridge between Europe and Asia, East and West. The key is not to become complacent. There are numerous challenges, including the ongoing war in the region. We must do everything possible to utilize our potential. To that end, $7 billion in investments in port and related infrastructure is planned over the coming years. This is the central objective of our policy - to fully realize the potential we already possess”, the Prime Minister concluded.