2015年-世界发展银行全球_Georgias_Transport_and_Logistics_Strategy___Achievements_to_Date_and_Areas_for_Improvements_15页_1mb

Georgia's Transport and Logistics Strategy Summary

I. Introduction

This policy note outlines the current state of Georgia's transport and logistics sector, identifies key challenges, and proposes strategic directions for improvement. The goal is to foster a shared understanding between the Government of Georgia (GoG) and its international partners regarding institutional and physical challenges. The document emphasizes the importance of institutional reforms in improving Georgia's Logistics Performance Index (LPI) ranking and enhancing its trade competitiveness. Strategic directions include modernizing infrastructure, strengthening supply chain management, and improving corridor development and cross-border operations.

II. Achievements to Date

Key Developments

• Customs Clearance Zones: Streamlined border procedures have significantly reduced clearance times and improved infrastructure.
• Integrated Border Management System: Reduced the number of intervening agencies, creating a single point of contact for drivers and authorities.
• EU Acquis Alignment: Regulations for road freight services have been gradually modernized to align with EU standards.
• Infrastructure Development: The East-West Highway project has seen progress, with 130 km already upgraded and ongoing work to complete an additional 177 km by 2016.
• Railway Restructuring: Georgian Railways (GR) has restructured its business model, with a commercial freight unit and plans to modernize its asset base and systems.
• Port Sector Liberalization: The port system, including Poti and Batumi, is open to private participation, with globally reputed operators managing major facilities.
• Airport Modernization: Airports in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi have been modernized, with some operating under BOT schemes.
• Logistics Associations: The Georgia Logistic Association (GLA) and Supply Chain Council (SCC) have been established to support industry development and benchmarking.

III. Main Challenges and Areas for Improvement

Georgia faces three major themes of challenges:

A. Infrastructure and Logistics Services

• Road vs. Rail Imbalance: Road transport carries significantly more containers than rail, and rail needs to be more competitive.
• Financing Strategy for East-West Highway: A clear and sustainable financing mechanism is needed, especially for the challenging 85 km section between Zemo-Osiauri and Argveta.
• Rolling Stock Rehabilitation: Many rail assets are outdated, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns.
• Port Limitations: Poti has a limited draft and congestion issues, while Batumi is dominated by liquid bulk trade.
• Anaklia Deep Sea Port: Needs to be developed in a way that enhances the TRACECA corridor's competitiveness.
• Air Cargo and Warehousing: Air cargo volumes remain low, and warehousing infrastructure is underutilized due to poor conditions and high costs.

B. Supply Chain Management

• Skill Development: A gap analysis and SCOR training program are needed to enhance supply chain capabilities.
• Logistics Service Providers: Freight forwarders have limited service portfolios, and warehousing is underdeveloped.
• Intermodal Facilities: Development of an International Logistics Center (ILC) in Tbilisi is crucial for integrating logistics services.
• Regulatory Reforms: Elimination of fly-by-night intermediaries and restoration of self-assessment principles in customs declarations are necessary.
• Private-Public Dialogue: Encouraging collaboration to develop a quality-driven regulatory framework for freight forwarding.

C. Corridor Development and Cross-Border Management

• Border Delays and Costs: Delays and high costs at border crossings hinder Georgia's competitiveness as a transit hub.
• Transit Guarantee System: The absence of a system raises concerns about enforcement and compliance.
• Customs Practices: Manual declarations and outdated fee structures weaken customs controls and deter compliance.
• Rail Tariff Harmonization: Variations in rail tariffs and lack of through rates discourage corridor usage.
• Cross-Border Cooperation: Improved procedures and legal frameworks are needed, especially with Turkey and Azerbaijan.
• Block Train Development: The Poti-Tbilisi-Baku block train project aims to enhance trade efficiency and reduce road congestion.
• Caspian Sea Constraints: Transit to Central Asia is hindered by delays and unreliable services, especially via CASPAR.
• Corridor Management Group: A dedicated group (CTC-CMG) could coordinate corridor operations and ensure alignment with strategic goals.

IV. Future Prospects

To improve Georgia's logistics and transport competitiveness, the following steps are recommended:

• Implement priority actions within the country and along the Caucasus Transit Corridor (CTC).
• Develop a sustainable financing model for the East-West Highway, including private sector participation.
• Modernize rail infrastructure, including rolling stock and systems, to enhance efficiency and market share.
• Improve port facilities and expand the capacity of the Anaklia deep sea port to support the TRACECA corridor.
• Enhance air cargo infrastructure and reduce the bias against air transport through revised road usage fees.
• Strengthen supply chain management through training, certification, and the development of intermodal logistics centers.
• Establish a regulatory framework that supports professional and reliable logistics service providers.
• Foster cross-border cooperation and alignment of corridor initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce congestion.
• Consider the creation of a Caucasus Transit Corridor Management Group (CTC-CMG) to oversee corridor operations and ensure integration across stakeholders.