Regional transport and logistics

In his speech at a working panel session on transport corridors hosted within the framework of the Global Gateway Forum on October 26, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said that the Georgian government has been working with the country's international partners and financial institutions to transform Georgia into a regional transport, and logistics and digital hub.

"Given the ever-growing importance of diversifying and expanding East-West trade, the Middle Corridor across Georgia is becoming a viable alternative to existing routes connecting Europe and Asia. With enhanced infrastructure capabilities, streamlined processes, and competitive costs, the importance of this corridor is growing," Garibashvili noted. The head of state mentioned several infrastructure initiatives, such as the Black Sea underwater electrical cable project, which would provide trade choices for green, renewable energy between the European Union and the South Caucasus region via Georgia, as well as transit chances.

He also noted the government was proactively exploring new initiatives within the renewable energy sector, including hydro, wind, solar, and other sustainable sources, adding major pipelines across Georgia, such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, Baku-Supsa oil pipelines and the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline ensured safe transportation of hydrocarbons from Central Asia to Europe.

Foreign and economic policies

Garibashvili highlighted the government's pragmatic foreign and economic policies, which contributed to securing uninterrupted peace and stability and ensuring robust economic growth in the country amid the complex global security challenges.

He said the International Monetary Fund forecasted that Georgia was expected to maintain the status of one of the fastest-growing economies among the regional and European countries, with an average annual growth of 5.3 percent. "Georgia's record of prudent macroeconomic decisions and structural reforms continue to drive our strong economic performance. It is not a coincidence that Georgia’s legal, business, and investment environment has been highly commended in international rankings by various international rating institutions," the head of the government stressed.

European Union and candidacy

The Georgian Prime Minister stated that the country remained determined in its choice to align with the European Union and its values despite Georgia's challenges. "It is evident that Georgia's journey towards the European integration and strengthening of our global partnerships is marked by unwavering commitment and resilience. Our commitment to a path of democracy, rule of law, and transparency remains resolute. Georgia, as a European nation and a natural, global gateway, stands ready to strengthen the EU and to contribute to its better future," Garibashvili said.

"Recognizing Georgia's European Perspective last June has unlocked a new chapter in our relationship with the EU. Recent surveys show nearly 90 percent of Georgians support EU membership," the head of the government emphasized.

Moreover, Irakli Garibashvili said the latest Rule of Law Index by the World Justice Project ranked Georgia ahead of several European Union and NATO member countries was an answer to all speculations and the long-standing disinformation alleging problems in the rule of law.

Garibashvili wanted to reassure everyone that despite the internal and external enemies and sabotage, Georgia would receive the European Union candidate membership status. The Georgian leader also stated that his government warned the Georgian society about the destructive sabotage by the radical opposition, who continued to betray the national interests of Georgia and asked European colleagues not to grant the country the status.

First impressions about the new US Ambassador

Irakli Garibashvili said he had a very positive first impression of Robin Dunnigan, the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Georgia, after a meeting with her.

He expressed hope that the two countries would continue to jointly implement many valuable projects to further strengthen US-Georgia relations and strategic partnership. He added that it was one of his main priorities as the head of the government.