Globalink intermodal operations at the Khorgos Gateway Dry Port in Kazakhstan. Image courtesy of Globalink.
Kerry Logistics, a leading Asian based logistics and freight forwarding company, has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding between its member company Globalink and Anaklia City JSC to help develop the Anaklia Deep Sea Port and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Georgia.
Globalink will look to leverage its long-standing presence in Georgia, bringing its logistics and multimodal freight knowledge and expertise to the project.
The new Anaklia Port and SEZ, which is scheduled to become operational in 2020, is expected to become one of the largest ports in the Black Sea region — and will become the first port in Georgia capable of handling up to 10,000 TEU vessels.
The port will cater for a range of cargo types including containers, dry bulk and liquid bulk, and will feature modern logistics and industrial parks and full integration with Georgia and its neighbouring countries rail and road infrastructure.
Managing Director of China and North Asia at Kerry Logistics, Edwardo Erni, said: “We are honoured to be given the opportunity to participate in this exciting project.
“Anaklia is a key cargo gateway in the Caucasian region.
“With Globalink’s proven track record in the Georgian market, and our comprehensive multimodal freight network across Eurasia, we are committed to devising innovative solutions to facilitate the building of Anaklia Port into a successful logistics hub for the region with integrated logistics, sea-rail, and sea-road services.”
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Anaklia City makes for an attractive port location due to its strategic position on the shortest trade route between China and Europe in the Belt and Road network — ensuring its position as an important cargo gateway to the landlocked Central Asian and Caucasian regions.
The Anaklia Development Consortium has also signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Baku International Sea Trade Port in Azerbaijan and the Kazakhstan Port of Kuryk to further strengthen trade connections around the upcoming port.
CEO of Anaklia City JSC, Ketevan Bochorishvili, commented: “We are excited about the cooperation with Globalink which has a deep understanding and comprehensive experience in the Caucasian region and Central Asia.
“With the Anaklia Port and Anaklia SEZ, we are establishing a state-of-the-art logistics, trade and business platform, which will serve a pivotal role in increasing the connectivity of Georgia as it is positioned along the shortest route from China to Europe via the Middle Corridor and from India to Europe.
“The successful development of Anaklia projects is expected to unlock a potential market of over 150 million consumers and serve as a bridge between Asia and Europe.”
In August, 2017 US terminal operator SSA Marine gained 20-year operating rights in respect to the container terminal at the new port of Anaklia, the first such infrastructure for the Georgian resort town.
Hong Kong recently signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with Georgia on June 28, 2018, which is the first FTA between Hong Kong and an economy in the region.
