Kobakhidze: Georgia develops joint customs checkpoints with Azerbaijan, Armenia

Georgia is actively pursuing joint customs checkpoint projects with Azerbaijan and Armenia, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced during an event marking International Customs Day.

“These projects are a successful example of regional cooperation and will expand Georgia’s transit and logistics potential,” Kobakhidze said. He noted that the initiatives are supported by the Asian Development Bank and highlight Georgia’s role in strengthening regional trade connectivity, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Kobakhidze also highlighted the successful implementation of Georgia’s New Computerized Transit System, compatible with European Union standards. The system, featuring a single declaration and guarantee, ensures smooth movement of goods within the EU and across 39 participating countries.

The Prime Minister stressed that Georgia’s infrastructure projects, including the East–West highway, the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway, dry ports, and the Anaklia deep-sea port, are central to enhancing the country’s position in the Middle Corridor trade route.

In a related statement, Kobakhidze reassured that the government would not interfere with business freedom while working to lower food prices. “Business freedom is one of the most important achievements we have been proud of since 2012. We want to work together with businesses to lower prices. Any business naturally aims for maximum profit, but here the social element comes into play. As a government, we are responsible for addressing this social issue as much as possible,” he said.

The authorities plan to meet with Georgian food producers following consultations with retail chains and distributors, with initial results in price reductions expected by the end of April.

By Vugar Khalilov