07 February, 2013
Georgia and Romania think over setting a ferry line between Georgia and Romania. Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, discussed the issue during his meeting with Bogdan Lucian Aurescu, Romania’s Secretary of State for Strategic Affairs, on January 30, 2013 when the accent fell on transport and energy cooperation between these two countries. Considering the Geographical location of Georgia and Romania, it is important to implement joint projects that will support the strengthening of economic and
regional collaboration, the sides pointed out. Development of the ferry-line project falls in line with the idea since it can significantly boost cargo transit between Europe and Asia through Georgia. Moreover, the new ferry line will be an additional route on the west-east direction and vice versa for cargo transit. It will support diversification of transportation routes and lay ground for creating competitive environment. The sides agreed that Georgia and Romania would further elaborate the memorandum prepared by the representatives of relevant transportation bodies. The working group will meet in the nearest future.Romanian Secretary of State also discussed the project offered to the Georgian side regarding the creation of the Black Sea Corridor. According to it, the member states of the corridor should be Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. Georgia as a transit country is interested in creation of proper conditions, both legislative and infrastructural environment for additional cargo transit and raising the competitiveness of Georgian transportation systems. Therefore, Georgian side discusses any project proposals related to the development of transportation system of the country, Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, informs. After the detailed study of the project of corridor development, Georgian government plans to inform Romanian government about its attitude.