en.Wedoany.com Reported - Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, led a delegation to inspect several ports and free industrial zones in Georgia from July 3 to 4, 2026, focusing on the feasibility of participating in the construction of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port. This move is seen as an important step for Uzbekistan to optimize its international logistics layout and enhance import and export capabilities, further strengthening the connection between the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway corridor and the Black Sea shipping network.
Located on the eastern coast of the Black Sea in Georgia, the Anaklia Deep Sea Port is the largest deep-water port project planned by Georgia and is expected to become a key hub in the international logistics network. The delegation inspected the Anaklia Deep Sea Port, the Port of Poti, the Port of Batumi, and the Poti Free Industrial Zone, focusing on assessing the feasibility of expanding Uzbekistan's import and export operations through Georgia's transport corridor.
At the Port of Poti, both sides discussed the construction of warehousing and cargo terminal facilities to provide distribution and transshipment services for Uzbekistan's import and export goods. At the Port of Batumi, exchanges were held on expanding freight cooperation via Black Sea routes, with both sides recognizing the port's potential to further enhance regional transport capacity.
Following the visit, both sides identified key areas for future cooperation, planned to draft relevant cooperation agreements, and proposed forming a consortium involving Uzbek enterprises to jointly advance port investment and infrastructure construction projects. As a landlocked country, Uzbekistan has been continuously promoting the diversification of international transport corridors in recent years, aiming to reduce trade transportation costs and enhance export competitiveness by expanding cross-border logistics networks.
Uzbekistan, the most populous country in Central Asia and one of the region's largest economies, has been advancing industrialization in sectors such as mining, textiles, and automobile manufacturing in recent years. The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project officially commenced construction in December 2024 and is scheduled to be fully operational by 2031. This railway will connect Central Asia directly to Black Sea ports, significantly shortening the overland transport distance from China to Europe. If Uzbekistan ultimately participates in the construction of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port, it will not only enhance its logistics capacity in the Black Sea direction but also potentially promote coordinated development between Central Asia and the Caucasus region.
