Georgian Economy Minister Attends Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council Ministerial in Baku

Georgian Minister of Economy Natia Turnava, who took part in the 6th Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Council in Baku, stated that Georgia plays a very important geopolitical role in the development of the Southern Gas Corridor.

The Minister added that Georgia will receive serious benefits from the implementation of the SGC project, and noted that the achievement of the Southern Gas Corridor project once again highlights the role of joint efforts by states in the successful development of international projects of such importance.

“Last November, the Georgian Prime Minister attended the inauguration of the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP), which is in fact a continuation of the Shah Deniz project. Before this, BP completed the second phase of Shah Deniz development, which will also bring increased volumes of transit gas. This means that Georgia plays a very important role in the development of alternative routes for gas not only in the region but in the whole world,” she stated after the meeting.

Turnava noted that 17 different countries, mainly European states, are already interested in participating in the SGC project.

"Georgia and our population will receive serious benefits as the quota of gas our state receives from this transit function increases. In the end, all this is aimed at better supply of natural gas to our country, our population, our enterprises,” the Minister said, adding she is glad her country has another opportunity to demonstrate its role in this context.

The $40 billion Southern Gas Corridor project, initiated by Azerbaijan and providing for the transportation of gas from the Caspian region through Georgia and Turkey to European countries, is a priority for the EU. It is aimed at diversifying routes and sources of energy supplies, thus contributing to strengthening the European energy security.

Azerbaijani media reports that TAP construction progress as of late January was 92%, adding the work on segments of the mega project, such as the expansion of the South Caucasus gas pipeline and the construction of TANAP, is almost complete.

During her visit to Azerbaijan, Turnava held important meetings with the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov, as well as with the Ministers of Economy and Energy of Azerbaijan.

During the meetings, the Georgian Minister stated that very close, business and friendly relations exist between the two countries, which promote the development of joint projects, including the accelerated completion of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project.

"We also have talks about completely new, exciting projects in the Black Sea that could involve the relevant Azerbaijani state or private structures, which will, in general, increase the competitiveness of our common corridor," she added.

“We are also considered a new initiative, providing for the construction of a high-voltage line along the bottom of the Black Sea, which will connect Georgia with the EU energy market," Turnava said.

The Minister noted that the project will certainly be of more significant commercial interest if Azerbaijan, Georgia’s reliable partner, takes part in it.

“Azerbaijan is actively involved in the process of supplying us with electricity during periods when the Georgian energy market is in short supply," she noted.

Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan Mikael Jabarov noted after meeting Turnava that Georgia is a very important economic partner for Azerbaijan.

He noted that Azerbaijani companies are very active and are making significant investments in the Georgian economy.

"We discussed the current status of projects, as well as future opportunities for cooperation not only in terms of the economic circulation and intensification of investments, but also in terms of our national economies in order to make our markets more attractive to both domestic and international foreign investments,” he said.

The parties also discussed projects implemented in the fields of energy, export and transit, including container and non-container shipping, future joint investment projects and trade issues.

By Tea Mariamidze

Image source: Ministry of Economy of Georgia