On January 13, the Deputy Ministers of Economy and Sustainable Development, Genadi Arveladze and Inga Pkhaladze, met with Carl Kress, the Regional Director of the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) for Central Asia, North Africa, Europe, and Eurasia, to discuss priorities for future cooperation.

During the meeting, the parties focused on the development of the Middle Corridor, including ongoing and planned government projects, as well as opportunities for securing technical assistance from the US agency. The Georgian side emphasized that strengthening the corridor and integrating the country's transport infrastructure into international transit systems remains a key government priority.

The Georgian representatives underlined the importance of advancing regional initiatives such as the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program, the Europe-Caucasus-Asia Transport Corridor (TRACECA), and the Trans-European Transport Network, noting that their effective implementation would reinforce Georgia’s position as a regional transport hub.

The discussion highlighted major infrastructure projects of regional significance, including the Anaklia deep-sea port, the modernization of the Georgian railway system, the completion of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, the full implementation of the East–West highway, and the construction of a new Tbilisi international airport. Particular attention was also devoted to projects enhancing Georgia’s transit role across sectors, such as the Black Sea submarine cable project aimed at connecting Georgia to the EU energy market.

Carl Kress stated that the US Trade and Development Agency has expressed interest in initiatives supporting the further development of the Middle Corridor. He emphasized the need to identify and address factors that would increase the corridor’s competitiveness and create opportunities for attracting American investment. Kress further noted that the agency’s working visit would also include assessing transport corridor opportunities in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, alongside Georgia.

Botchorishvili Highlights Strategic Importance of Middle Corridor

On January 13, Maka Botchorishvili, the Foreign Minister of Georgia, stated at the Sustainable Development Week Summit in Abu Dhabi that the development of the Middle Corridor is of strategic importance for Georgia and the wider region.

During the summit, Botchorishvili emphasized that the participation of high-level representatives from various countries created an important platform for discussing regional transit opportunities. She stressed, "In the context of developing international cooperation, promoting the Middle Corridor is vital for us," adding that it is essential to highlight the region’s transit potential.

She stated that providing comprehensive and accurate information to companies interested in investing in Georgia is a key priority. She further noted that meetings were planned with representatives of major international firms to ensure they are fully informed about the country’s investment opportunities, emphasizing that global companies are increasingly considering Georgia as a potential destination for investment.