“The transport sector is showing unprecedented figures. If we compare the data for the first eight months of this year with the same period last year, we have record figures over the past decade in maritime, rail and aviation,” Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Tamar Ioseliani said, speaking about trends in Georgia’s transport sector this year.

According to Tamar Ioseliani, growth has been recorded across all types of freight transportation.

“A total of approximately 13.7 million tonnes of cargo was handled through the seaports, representing a 24% increase. In addition, there has been growth in container traffic as well — approximately 9%. Around 554,000 TEUs of containers were handled, which is certainly an unprecedented figure for the first eight months of the year. Accordingly, we also expect record figures in this area by the end of the year,” the Deputy Minister noted.

According to Tamar Ioseliani, record figures over the past decade have also been recorded in rail transport, with approximately 9.7 million tonnes of cargo handled, representing an increase of around 9% compared with the same period last year.

“It is also important to emphasize a very significant fact: we have recorded a 14% increase in transit traffic, which, of course, allows us to say that the role of the Middle Corridor is growing. From this perspective, Georgia’s role is also very important as a connecting hub between Asia and Europe,” the Deputy Minister said.

At the same time, according to Tamar Ioseliani, despite the challenges facing the global aviation sector, Georgia’s civil aviation sector has also demonstrated positive dynamics this year.

“It is important to emphasize the volume of cargo handled at airports as well: approximately 29,000 tonnes were handled, which represents a 30% increase compared with the same period last year. Thus, we are seeing growth in this area as well, and the highest figure in the past decade has also been recorded here.

Accordingly, we can say that the trends are very encouraging, and in this regard, the state certainly has a clear and consistent vision and plan for how the transport sector should develop.

Naturally, in this regard, we also have very close coordination and cooperation with private partners,” the Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia said.