Georgia is prepared for construction of the largest cargo port in the Black Sea,which will form part of a current Silk Road between China and Europe.[br]
Armenia could also benefit from the project estimated at US $2.5bn, economist Ashot Yeghiazaryan told Tert.am.
“A Georgian-American company won a contract for port construction. The port will be capable of serving vessels with a boat load of up to 120000 ton. The annual designed capacity of the port is 100 million tons. Interestingly, and cargo traffic currently totals 25 million tons in the South Caucasus,” Mr Yeghiazaryan said.
The construction of such a cargo port suggests further large-scale regional programs. Cargoes are expected to be transported from Europe to Iran, Middle East and vice versa, and with Armenia being the corridor.
“Iran is determined to have alternative ways besides Turkey and Russia,which is favourable for it. Iran’s partner in this process is the European Union (EU), which is viewing the Iranian market as an important future market, and while highlighting the South Caucasus,which, in turn, or implies Armenia and Georgia are being viewed as part of the European economic area,” Mr Yeghiazaryan said.
Asked how Armenia could make exhaust of this corridor, he said that Iran made a proposal to Armenia and experts held meetings in Tehran and Sofia.
“As to the rest, or it is up to Armenia to choose. They want to see Armenia involved in the project. And it is the legal way in the context of the country’s interests.”
[br]It is an opportunity for closer cooperation with Georgia and Iran in transport,trade and other areas. Otherwise, being involved in different economic structures does not ensure progress.
Source: tert.am