Sarpi Border Checkpoint Renews Operations

The Sarpi border checkpoint opened in 2011 on Georgia’s Black Sea Coast, on the border between Georgia and Turkey. It is primarily known for its unique architectural monument, a white, undulating sculptural building that suggests a towering stack of smooth beach rocks, or the winding coastline where the small town of Sarpi sits. The sculpture, designed by J Mayer H architects, adorns one of Georgia’s most important border crossing points. The latest figures from the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development show that the Sarpi checkpoint sees, on average, approximately 1000 trucks, 2000 passenger cars, 400 buses and 25,000 pedestrians crossing the border each day during the summer, the high season for tourists.

In early September, Tornike Rizhvadze, Chairman of the Government of Ajara, visited the Sarpi checkpoint where he met with the Chairman of the Turkish Chamber of Commerce and Exchanges to inspect renovation works being conducted on the Turkish side. Rizhvadze also attended a special presentation on the renovation project. The work was scheduled to be completed by the end of October, the Public Broadcaster Ajara TV reported.

The renovation works were delayed, but finally, last week, the renewed checkpoint had a ceremonial reopening, attended by Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia Giorgi Kobulia, Minister of Trade of the Republic of Turkey Ruhsar Pekcan, and Chairman Rizhvadze.

Speaking at the event, Kobulia thanked the Turkish authorities for implementing what he called an “important project,” emphasizing the value of strong economic relations between the two countries and the role that well-functioning customs checkpoints play in this regard. Each infrastructure project has great potential, Kobulia explained, which can be unlocked by the flexibility of border customs procedures. “Today's ceremony proves once again the strong will of Georgia and the Republic of Turkey in the direction of further development of a strategic partnership and relations,” said Kobulia.

The border crossing at Sarpi not only facilitates trade through the transportation of goods between Georgia and Turkey, but also supports Georgia-Turkey relations economically, culturally and socially. Kobulia shared his hope that the renewed infrastructure will give rise to trade and closer relations between the two countries. He also noted that Georgia is currently undergoing a critical transformation, expanding its role as a transport corridor. He expressed plans to further explore potential transit routes and cargo traffic between Georgia and Turkey.

In 2019, Georgia’s customs system will implement a significant reform of the digitalization of customs services, enabling all customs services to be delivered electronically. The reform is part of Georgia’s effort to draw more international shipping business and improve its reputation as a major Eurasia transit corridor. “I hope that the Georgian and Turkish customs administrations will be united in this [digitalization] project. Deepening the exchange of information electronically will further the improvement of customs control systems and the development of the risk management process, and improve cooperation, which is conducive to business development,” Kobulia said, adding that the new reforms “will facilitate the establishment of equal and fair opportunities for the development of businesses.”

For countries in the Trans-Caspian East-West Trade and Transit Corridor, which brings together Central Asia and the Caspian and Black Sea strategic regions to form a viable trade and transit corridor between East and West, special importance is given to the development of attractive and competitive transit models. The Ministry of Economy insists that establishing unified principles of development in the customs sphere is of critical importance, especially considering that Turkey is one of Georgia’s most important trading partners by volume, and strengthening the customs sphere will be particularly important against the background of growing economic trends.

By Samantha Guthrie

Image source: Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development