Caspian Economic Forum: Opportunities for Georgia

The Third Caspian Economic Forum was held in Tehran on February 17-18. Its participants considered prospects for expanding economic cooperation and increasing trade volumes between the Caspian countries, developing transport routes and increasing transit traffic, joint exploitation of energy resources, sustainable management of the Caspian Sea resources and environmental protection issues. Representatives of the Caspian countries supported the exchange of experience in the field of hydrometeorology and noted the need for further development of tourism.
Following the meeting, the parties signed a Joint Communique containing key areas of further work within the framework of five-sided cooperation. During the plenary session of the forum, the strategic importance of the Caspian region, which is playing an increasingly important role in the global economy, was noted. Situated at the junction of the East-West and North-South routes, the region occupies leading positions in the world reserves of natural gas, oil, chromium, uranium, gold and zinc.
A number of specific proposals were voiced at the forum. Representatives of the Caspian countries decided to hold a scientific and practical conference on the problems of the Caspian region at the Kalmyk State University named after B.B. Gorodovikov, an International Conference on Environmental Protection on May 30-31, 2025 in Dushanbe, and in the summer of 2025 - the Caspian Ecological Forum at Dagestan State University.
The Caspian Economic Forum is not just an event for countries bordering the Caspian Sea. It is a platform where the interests of states seeking to strengthen economic ties, find new markets, and attract investment intersect. Georgia is not a Caspian country, but participation in the Caspian Economic Forum (CEF) could have important economic and geopolitical benefits for it.
Georgia is a key transit country between the Caspian region and Europe. Georgia has long played the role of a bridge between East and West. Its transport corridors, such as the Port of Poti and railway routes, link Europe and Asia, while energy projects, such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, make the country a key player in energy transit.
The Caspian Economic Forum represents another strategic opportunity for Georgia. It offers possibilities not only to strengthen existing ties with Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan but also to access new markets such as Turkmenistan and Iran.
It is likely that in the near future Georgia will show interest in the Forum based on its geopolitical interests. Clearly, participation in the Forum in a format acceptable to Georgia will strengthen strategic partnerships with both Azerbaijan and other Caspian region countries with which it already has cooperation. Participation in the Forum in a favorable format for Georgia would be an important political and diplomatic step that will deepen mutually beneficial relationships between Georgia and the Caspian Forum countries.
Since Georgia's geographical location provides access to the Black Sea basin, Georgia could offer more active mediation in regional projects between the EU and the Caspian region. Georgia's participation in the Caspian Economic Forum in a favorable format would give it the opportunity to strengthen its position in transport and energy projects, attract investments, and become one of the key connectors between the Caspian region and Europe.
The Caspian region is a key hub for cargo flows between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Decisions taken by the Caspian Economic Forum (CEF) can accelerate the development of the Middle Corridor, which will naturally increase cargo flows through Georgia. The decisions made at the forum can affect Georgia's role in international logistics.
Georgia naturally pays attention to the possible consequences of new agreements at the Caspian Forum, as they can affect the distribution of transit routes. The country seeks to maintain its significant role in providing access to the Black Sea. Additionally, Georgia is closely monitoring the development of alternative logistics routes, including possible proposals from Iran related to the port of Bandar Abbas, which could redistribute part of the cargo flow.
Georgia is interested in attracting investment from the Caspian countries in logistics, agriculture, and tourism. Georgia aims to increase the export of Georgian goods to the Caspian region. One of the main advantages of Georgia's participation in the Forum is the opportunity to increase exports. Georgian wine, mineral water, and agricultural products are already in demand in the region, but the Forum can open up new horizons. Negotiations with potential partners, presentations of Georgian goods, and establishing direct contacts with businesses can have a tangible economic impact.
Georgia is interested in expanding trade with the Caspian countries, especially in agricultural exports, industry, and investment. The creation of new trade zones and the reduction of customs barriers between the Caspian countries can significantly change trade flows. Strengthening ties between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan with Turkey can lead to new business projects where Georgia will serve as an important link. Investments in logistics can accelerate the modernization of Georgian ports and railways. Trade digitalization initiatives (electronic customs procedures, "green corridors") will simplify transit through Georgia.
Investment is another important topic. The Caspian region is rich in resources, and many countries are looking for new areas for capital investment. Georgia can offer projects in energy, tourism, agriculture, and logistics sectors. Renewable energy projects such as hydroelectric power plants and wind farms are of particular interest. The forum provides a platform to present these initiatives and find interested investors.
Participation in the Caspian Economic Forum can be an important step in integrating the country into regional economic processes. This not only strengthens the economy but also increases Georgia's political weight in the region. In the context of global instability and increased competition between regions, such initiatives are becoming especially important.
The Caspian Economic Forum is an event that will give Georgia an opportunity to declare itself, find new partners and strengthen its position in the international arena. And although the path to success requires caution and strategic planning, the potential for growth is obvious. Georgia can use this chance to become an even more significant player in the region and beyond. The Caspian Economic Forum is an important platform for discussing economic and logistical issues that are directly related to Georgia. The development of the Middle Corridor, new trade agreements, changes in regional security – all this requires strategic analysis and proactive policy on the part of Tbilisi.
Gulnara Safarli

SR-CENTER.INFO