Attracting new cargo flows from Central Asia via Georgia represents a significant economic benefit for the country. To achieve this, Georgia’s transit policies and infrastructure must be aligned with the transportation requirements of the region’s emerging cargo volumes.
The Uzbek railway container operator, JSC Uztemiryulkonteyner, has announced the expansion of multimodal shipments along the CASCA+ transit route, which connects Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. The “+” in the name indicates the potential inclusion of new participants, with the ultimate goal of linking Southeast Asia and European markets.
From the Sergeli Logistics Center, a trial shipment of 39 forty-foot containers (FEU-s) of chemical fertilizers (carbamide) was organized toward ports in Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria, with an average transit time of 25–30 days via the Port of Poti.
The CASCA+ transport corridor presents a strategic opportunity for Georgia, facilitating the global supply of Uzbek products, including perishable fruits and vegetables, strengthening maritime connections in the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions, and increasing overall transit efficiency.
In 2024, the participating countries agreed to strengthen coordination through the creation of a consortium, the implementation of standardized tariffs, and the establishment of an online monitoring system, further enhancing security and competitiveness. For Georgia, prioritizing the effective use of the CASCA+ corridor to attract additional cargo is key to boosting the country’s transit potential and supporting economic development.
