Influence of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway corridor to the development of the South Caucasian region

Summary

The article examines the current condition of Georgia's transport infrastructure, the impact of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway on the economic and political situation in Georgia, as well as the impact on the economic relations between Azerbaijan and Georgia. It was found that the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway will strengthen Georgia's geopolitical position in the region and turn this country into one of the main transport hubs in Europe, further increasing its transit potential. The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum pipelines pass through these countries, and with the launch of the TANAP project, Georgia's transit importance will increase. As well as, it was found that the BTK road will help Georgia cope with the situation in Javakheti, where ethnic Armenians live and where there are a number of economic problems. Moreover, oil and gas pipelines through Georgia, seaports on the Black Sea coast, a well-developed rail system and airports will play an increasingly important role in connecting East and West.