Silk Road Digest | 25 Oct 2026

2026-10-25

Expansion of the Logistics Center

"Tbilisi Logistics Center" will open a new warehouse covering an area of ​​up to 15,000 square meters at the end of October. Furthermore, it plans to develop an additional 50,000 square meters of warehouse space by the end of the year.

The company began developing its warehousing operations in 2024 and currently owns customs and non-customs warehouses spanning up to 50,000 square meters.

Aliyev and Wang Yi on the Middle Corridor

On October 14, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Baku. The two sides discussed deepening cooperation in trade relations, Chinese investments, and the energy sector, with particular attention given to the Middle Corridor and the "Belt and Road" Initiative. TransLogistica Kazakhstan 2026

At TransLogistica Kazakhstan 2026, held in Astana from October 14–16, 2026, the TMTM (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route Association) presented the capabilities and development prospects of the Middle Corridor. Representatives of the association also participated in the "New Silk Way" business forum, where they discussed the digital transformation of transport logistics, as well as a World Bank report concerning the development of the Trans-Caspian Corridor.

Cooperation Among Caspian Ports

Delegations from AZCON Holding and Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) toured key port and terminal infrastructure in Kazakhstan. During the visit, the parties discussed strengthening cooperation among the ports of Baku, Aktau, and Kuryk; improving cargo handling and operational coordination; and facilitating the exchange of digital data—all with the aim of enhancing the transit capacity and competitiveness of the Middle Corridor. Turkey: Georgia’s Main Supplier

In the period from January to September 2026, Turkey became the largest source of imports for Georgia; Georgia purchased goods worth 2 billion 187.7 million USD from Turkey. The total volume of trade in goods between the two countries amounted to approximately 2 billion 547 million USD.

Barriers to Entering the European Market

Restrictions imposed by Russia on Georgian export products could negatively impact local freight carriers and increase logistics costs for imports. According to Irakli Nemsadze, head of the Association of Land Freight Carriers, the transition of Georgian transport companies to the European market is hindered by a shortage of personnel, an aging vehicle fleet, and a lack of financial resources. He notes that the development of the sector requires the coordinated involvement of the state, the banking sector, and the private business community.

New Service from Akkon Lines

In early November, the Turkish shipping line Akkon Lines will launch a new container service—the "Poti Shuttle"—between Derince and Poti. Initially, the 344 TEU capacity vessel *CHONA* will operate on this route, with the first voyage scheduled for November 4. Subsequently, vessels will operate on a nine-day rotation. This new service will expand the company’s regional network in the Black Sea and create additional capacity for container shipping between Turkey and Georgia.

Armenia on the TRIPP Project

The Standing Committee on Foreign Relations of the National Assembly of Armenia has supported the ratification of a strategic partnership framework agreement with the United States regarding the TRIPP project. The project envisages the development of transport links along the Armenian section of the Zangezur Corridor, aiming to restore connectivity between mainland Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan, as well as to expand regional transit capabilities.

New Vessels on the Caspian Sea

Starting in 2027, the deployment of higher-capacity container feeder vessels is expected on the Caspian Sea, which will facilitate the development of maritime shipping within the Middle Corridor. Concurrently, the throughput capacity of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway has increased to 5 million metric tons per year, and the expansion of the Port of Alat is currently underway. Integrating transport infrastructure and information systems remains a priority for enhancing the efficiency of the corridor.

Railway Infrastructure of the Middle Corridor

The OPEC Fund will provide $250 million in financing for the construction of a 127-kilometer electrified railway line in Turkey. The project will connect Çayırova and Çatalca, increase the annual capacity for rail freight transport across the Bosphorus Strait to 50 million tons, and help alleviate congestion within Istanbul’s transport network. The new line will strengthen freight connections between Asia and Europe and contribute to the development of the Middle Corridor.

TRACECA.GE

Sources:
businessinsider.ge
caspianpost.com
middlecorridor.com
chveneburi.net
bm.ge
bpn.ge
europetime.eu
commersant.ge