London Turns Its Attention to Georgia`s Silk Road

2026-10-09

Georgia’s strategic location between Europe and Asia positions the country as a vital link in international transport and trade corridors. In recent years, as the significance of the Middle Corridor has grown, cooperation between Georgia and its international partners has intensified. The United Kingdom’s support in this area focuses primarily on trade, diplomatic, and political cooperation, as well as the streamlining of transit procedures.

British Support for the BTK Railway

The United Kingdom’s stance on the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway can be viewed within the context of Britain’s broader interest in developing alternative trade routes between Europe and Asia and enhancing regional connectivity.

A clear indication of the British position emerged as early as 2016 in a statement by the UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan; the Ambassador spoke positively of the BTK project, noting that its implementation would foster trade development, facilitate the movement of people, and create new opportunities within the region.

Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement

On October 21, 2019, the United Kingdom and Georgia signed a Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. One of its primary objectives was to ensure the continuity of trade relations between the two countries following Brexit.

The agreement preserved significant trade opportunities and established a stable legal foundation for economic cooperation. This is crucial for Georgia’s role as a transit hub, as the competitiveness of an international corridor depends not only on infrastructure but also on a favorable trade environment.

Recognizing the Strategic Importance of the Middle Corridor

During the eighth round of the Wardrop Strategic Dialogue held in London on January 26, 2023, Georgia and the United Kingdom discussed the growing importance of the Middle Corridor, alongside issues of regional security and economic cooperation.

The Middle Corridor connects China and Central Asia to Europe via the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Its development enables Georgia to strengthen its transit function and facilitate regional trade.

The dialogue between the UK and Georgia reaffirmed the strategic importance of this route and its role in diversifying international trade connections.

Supporting Georgia’s development as a digital transit corridor

Within the framework of the 2023 strategic dialogue, attention was focused on Georgia's potential to become a key link in digital connectivity between Europe and Asia and to create an attractive environment for the development of regional data centers.

The British side welcomed the initiatives presented by Georgia and emphasized the importance of their implementation. Digital infrastructure facilitates rapid data exchange, the improvement of logistics processes, and the development of international business.

Support for the Middle Corridor within the G7 Framework

A joint statement by G7 foreign ministers in November 2023—to which the United Kingdom was a party—highlighted the diversification of trade routes through Central Asia and the South Caucasus, as well as the development of sustainable transport connections.

This approach is significant for Georgia, as the country constitutes a key segment of the Middle Corridor and plays a vital role in the operation of the transit route connecting the Caspian and Black Seas.

The support expressed within the G7 framework helps to showcase the international importance of the Middle Corridor and keeps the development of regional transport connections on the international agenda.

Middle Corridor Conference in London

On June 11, 2024, a conference dedicated to the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor) was held in London, organized by the Caspian Policy Center (CPC). The event was attended by ambassadors from Georgia and other countries in the region, as well as representatives from international financial institutions and business organizations.

Discussions at the conference focused on the development and financing of the Middle Corridor’s infrastructure, the removal of barriers facing businesses, and the strengthening of regional cooperation. Representatives from the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), UK Export Finance, and TheCityUK participated in the discussions. The event once again highlighted Georgia's significance as a transit hub and the role of international partners in developing trade links between Europe and Asia.

Georgia’s Accession to the Common Transit Convention

On February 1, 2025, Georgia became a member of the Common Transit Convention. The United Kingdom is also a party to this multilateral agreement.

The Convention facilitates the simplification of customs procedures for the movement of goods between participating countries. Its application enables a more efficient organization of the transit process and allows for the deferral of applicable duties and taxes, subject to established conditions.

For Georgia, this step is significant in terms of integrating with European transit systems and facilitating international freight transport. The Convention also creates practical opportunities for cargo moving along relevant transit routes between the UK and Georgia.

Conclusion

Cooperation between the United Kingdom and Georgia regarding the development of Georgia’s transit potential encompasses several key areas: ensuring the continuity of trade relations, recognizing the international importance of the Middle Corridor, supporting digital connectivity, and simplifying customs procedures. The measures discussed primarily encompass political, diplomatic, and trade support and do not entail a commitment of British funding for the development of Georgia’s transport corridors.

This cooperation helps strengthen Georgia’s role as a transport and trade hub connecting Europe and Asia. Deepening cooperation with international partners, improving logistics services, and developing transport and digital connectivity will be crucial for the country’s continued development.

Zurab Maghradze, DBA

 

Sources:
gov.uk; eur-lex.europa.eu; en.apa.az