Key facts
- Uzbekistan signed an agreement with Georgia to establish warehousing and transport facilities at the port of Poti.
- Uzbekistan plans to invest in Caspian ports in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan.
- Uzbekistan is interested in the Anaklia port project in Georgia.
- Uzbekistan aims to double transport services volume by 2030.
- The shadow economy accounts for over 42% of freight transportation in Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan is actively seeking to expand its logistical reach by securing access to ports on the Caspian and Black Seas, aiming to bolster its participation in the Middle Corridor trade route. The country's presidential office announced on September 21 that an agreement has been signed with Georgia to establish Uzbek warehousing and transport facilities at the Black Sea port of Poti, with a feasibility study planned.
Beyond Georgia, Uzbekistan's trade officials are looking to engage with the expansion of port infrastructure in Aktau (Kazakhstan), Turkmenbashi (Turkmenistan), and Baku (Azerbaijan). The nation is also expressing interest in the Anaklia port project in Georgia, a venture that has faced financial and construction challenges. Uzbekistan's initial interest in Anaklia was declared in early July following President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's visit to Georgia.
These initiatives are intended to diversify export routes for Uzbek products, including textiles, chemicals, agricultural goods, and mining and metallurgical items. The country is also enhancing its domestic transit capabilities by planning to electrify its freight rail network, introduce high-speed rail, and upgrade airport infrastructure. Internationally, Uzbekistan is exploring participation in the TRIPP project, which aims to facilitate trade from Azerbaijan to Turkey through Armenia, including potential investment in railway refurbishment in Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan exclave to access Turkish ports like Samsun and Istanbul.
Digitalization of freight transport is another key component of Uzbekistan's strategy to reduce transit times and combat the shadow economy. The government aims to double the volume of transport services by 2030 and increase service exports to $5.7 billion. To achieve this, plans include establishing a unified digital transport system, real-time tracking for cross-border transit, and an electronic permit database. The presidential statement highlighted that the shadow economy currently represents over 42% of freight transportation, largely due to the absence of an integrated electronic system for order processing and services.