Uzbekistan and Georgia Deepen Strategic Transport Partnership
Uzbekistan and Georgia are strengthening their strategic partnership to enhance transport connectivity between Central Asia and the South Caucasus, positioning themselves as key players in the development of alternative trade routes linking Asia and Europe. According to Sh. Akhmedov, Leading Specialist at the Center for the Study of Transportation and Logistics Development Issues under the Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the ongoing transformation of global supply chains and the growing demand for resilient transport corridors have elevated the strategic importance of cooperation between the two countries. The remarks were made in a release issued by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Islamabad on Friday.
Complementary Geographic Positions
“Uzbekistan and Georgia occupy complementary geographical positions at the crossroads of key Eurasian transport routes,” Akhmedov said. “For Uzbekistan, Georgia provides a vital maritime gateway to Europe through its Black Sea ports, while Georgia gains access to the rapidly expanding markets of China and South Asia through Uzbekistan.” This mutual benefit forms the foundation of their growing collaboration.
Middle Corridor Cargo Doubles
The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, widely known as the Middle Corridor, has become a cornerstone of this cooperation. By the end of 2025, the volume of Uzbek cargo transported along the route doubled to 1.2 million metric tons, underscoring the corridor’s growing role as a reliable alternative to traditional East-West transport routes. This surge reflects increased demand for diversified supply chains.
Bilateral Freight Growth
Bilateral freight traffic has also recorded steady growth. Total cargo transportation between Uzbekistan and Georgia reached 146,800 metric tons in 2025, marking a percentage increase compared to the previous year. Uzbek exports rose by 27 percent to 53,400 metric tons, while imports increased by 26 percent to 71,500 metric tons. These figures highlight deepening trade ties.
Rail Transport Leads Expansion
Rail transport emerged as the fastest-growing segment of bilateral logistics. Freight volumes transported by rail climbed by 56 percent in 2025 to 53,100 metric tons. Exports by rail surged 71 percent, imports increased 65 percent, and transit shipments expanded by 49 percent, highlighting the significant untapped potential of rail connectivity. The rail network is proving crucial for efficient cargo movement.
CASCA+ Corridor Development
A key driver of this growth is the CASCA+ international transport corridor, linking China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Türkiye, and Europe. Uzbekistan has established a Coordination Committee to oversee the route’s development, while participating countries have appointed logistics operators responsible for organizing transit container trains. The participating railway administrations also provide annual tariff discounts of up to 70 percent, encouraging greater cargo movement along the corridor. Further momentum was added during a six-party meeting held on June 8–9 this year, where participating countries signed a protocol aimed at increasing freight volumes through the CASCA+ route.
Air Connectivity Expands
Air connectivity between the two countries continued to expand as well. Regular passenger services now operate on the Tashkent–Tbilisi and Tashkent–Batumi routes. In 2025, Uzbek airlines operated 608 scheduled and charter flights to and from Georgia, representing a 12 percent increase over the previous year. During the first five months of 2026, flight frequencies doubled compared to the same period in 2025, reflecting growing tourism, business exchanges, and people-to-people ties.
Future Railway Projects
Looking ahead, Akhmedov highlighted two transformative railway projects that are expected to further reshape regional connectivity. The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway will establish the shortest overland route from China to Central Asia and onward to the South Caucasus via the Caspian Sea. Meanwhile, the Trans-Afghan Railway connecting Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan is set to provide direct access to South Asian markets. Integrating these major infrastructure projects with existing transport corridors across Central Asia and the South Caucasus is expected to enhance regional connectivity, improve logistics efficiency, and strengthen trade across Eurasia.
Strategic Vision for Eurasian Integration
As transport networks continue to evolve, Uzbekistan and Georgia are increasingly positioning their cooperation as a strategic partnership that supports sustainable regional integration, diversified trade routes, and long-term economic development across Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and beyond.
