Uzbekistan is striving to advance its Middle Corridor trade program by establishing logistical facilities on the shores of the Caspian and Black Seas. On September 21, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's office announced that Uzbek and Georgian officials had signed an agreement to establish warehousing and transportation facilities at the Port of Poti in Georgia. This agreement reflects Uzbekistan's serious commitment to improving access to global markets.
Port Development Plans
According to this statement, Uzbek trade officials are also seeking participation in the development of port infrastructure at the Caspian Port in Aktau, Kazakhstan, Turkmenbashi in Turkmenistan, and Baku on the western shore of the Caspian Sea. Uzbekistan is looking to access the port of Anaklia in Georgia, which has faced financial issues and construction delays. The country first expressed its willingness to invest in Anaklia following Mirziyoyev's official visit to Georgia in early July.
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Digitalization Strategy and Infrastructure Development
These projects will allow Uzbekistan to diversify supply routes for textile, chemical, agricultural, and mineral products. At the same time, financing for the implementation of these programs remains a question. Uzbekistan is also working on improving transit connections between logistics centers and is considering plans for full electrification of the domestic rail network and adding high-speed rail sections. Improving infrastructure at airports across the country is also part of these plans.
Additionally, Uzbek officials are exploring investment opportunities in the development of TRIPP, which is considered a key route for Middle Corridor trade. This route allows for the passage of goods from Azerbaijan to Turkey through Armenian territory. Officials are also considering investing in the reconstruction of a rail section in the autonomous Nakhchivan region of Azerbaijan to access Turkish ports in Samsun and Istanbul.
Digitalization of freight transport is also a significant aspect of Uzbekistan's strategy aimed at reducing transit times and minimizing the role of the shadow economy in trade. Eliminating gray trade could help the government achieve its trade goals, including doubling "transport service volume" by 2030 and increasing "service exports to $5.7 billion." To control shadow traffic, officials intend to create an integrated digital transport system and a comprehensive electronic permit database. "The share of the shadow economy in freight transport is still over 42%, and one of the main problems in this sector is the lack of an integrated electronic system that streamlines electronic order processing and all transport services."
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