APM Terminal Poti’s strategic location and proven record of reliable service make it uniquely qualified to play a strategic role in connecting the states of Central Asia and South Caucasus with trade partners across the globe.
Georgia’s political stability in recent years has undeniably bolstered Poti’s standing as a reliable and secure junction for westbound cargos from China and Central Asia to Europe and the rest of the world.
Given its strategic location, Poti provides access to a market valued at $170 billion. As attractive as this market certainly is for potential customers, its geographic size and diversity — and limited digitalization — pose considerable challenges for new investors. As a committed and active stake holder in the region, APM Terminals Poti is dedicated to enhancing visibility, supporting its customers with critical data and providing in-depth analysis to navigate these challenges and foster growth.
Poti operates as a critical port junction in the region.
Countries in the region
Below are some facts and figures that demonstrate the scale and diversity of markets that can be accessed via Poti.
Uzbekistan has a population of 31.1 million, growing at 0.83% annually.
Its key exports include natural gas, petroleum, gold, uranium and textiles. It is currently the 4th largest cotton producer globally.
The IMF projects 5% economic growth until 2028, with an estimated nominal GDP of US$130.321 billion in 2025.
The country has a vast transport network — 86,496 km of roads and 4,642 km of railways — supporting trade and connectivity.
Export growth is expected to continue with increasing demand for resources and infrastructure investments.
Tajikistan has a population of 9.2 million, growing at 1.36% annually.
Its main exports include aluminum, cement, coal, gold, silver, and textiles.
The IMF projects 4% economic growth until 2028, with an estimated nominal GDP of $11.816 billion in 2023.
The country relies mainly on road transport for freight, with a 30,000 km roadway network, though many national roads need improvement. The railway system covers 680 km and is connected to Uzbekistan’s network, with plans for expansion and upgrades.
Export growth is expected with ongoing infrastructure projects and trade development efforts.
Kyrgyzstan has a population of 6.1 million, growing at 0.82% annually.
Its main exports include gold, rare earth metals, textiles and agricultural products like milk, potatoes and wheat.
The IMF projects 4% economic growth until 2028.
The country has a roadway network of 34,000 km, but road quality is ranked low globally, though there are ongoing infrastructure improvements. Kyrgyzstan’s railway system is limited to 424 km, with discussions of a railway project linking China to Uzbekistan, though technical issues need to be resolved.
The country is also part of the Almaty-Bishkek Economic Corridor, aiming to boost economic integration and growth.
Turkmenistan has a population of 6.5 million, growing at 0.99% annually.
Its main exports include petroleum, natural gas, cotton and textiles.
The IMF projects 2% economic growth until 2028, with a GDP of $59.89 billion in 2023.
The country has a road network of 58,592 km and a railway system of 5,113 km, along with extensive gas and oil pipelines.
Turkmenbashi Port, the country’s key seaport, is gearing up for growth, with efforts underway to reduce tariffs and improve efficiency. Recent investments, including new container vessels, aim to enhance regional trade and bolster the port’s role in the TRACECA Corridor.
Kazakhstan, with a population of approximately 19.8 million as of April 2023, is poised for steady growth, expected to exceed 20 million by 2025.
The country is rich in natural resources, including oil, gas, coal, uranium and other minerals, which have been key to its economic strength.
Kazakhstan has an average annual GDP growth of 3% over the past decade, recovering to pre-pandemic levels by 2021. The country’s GDP is projected to reach $296 billion (nominal) in 2024.
Kazakhstan is also emerging as a regional transportation and logistics hub, connecting markets in China, South Asia, Russia and Western Europe through its roadways, railways, and Caspian Sea ports.
Trade volumes are expected to grow steadily, with a forecasted increase of about 3% annually until 2028. The IMF has also projected gradual inflation increases and stable government revenues and expenditures.
With a population of approximately 4.9 million, Georgia’s GDP was projected to reach $33 billion (nominal) in 2024.
The country’s economic structure is primarily driven by agriculture — including grapes, hazelnuts and wheat — along with the mining of manganese, copper and gold.
Georgia's GDP has experienced an average annual growth rate of around 5% from 2004 to 2024, and this growth is expected to continue at a similar rate until 2028.
The transportation network includes two major seaports, Batumi and Poti, and a 1,363 km railway system. Significant investments are underway to improve the road infrastructure, which spans 20,295 km.
An expansion of Poti Port will be necessary to handle larger vessels and strengthen Georgia’s role in regional trade.
With a population of around 10.4 million, Azerbaijan’s GDP was estimated to be $75.649 billion (nominal) in 2024.
The country’s economic structure is heavily reliant on natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas and minerals such as iron ore and bauxite. Agriculture also plays a key role, with products like milk, wheat, and cotton.
The country has experienced steady growth, with a projected growth rate of about 2% until 2028, according to the IMF.
Azerbaijan’s transportation network includes the Baku Port — which targets an annual container volume of 80,000 TEU — and a 2,944 km railway system. There have been significant recent improvements to the road network, which spans 24,981 km. Azerbaijan is also focusing on further infrastructure development to position itself as a transit hub between Europe and Asia, with plans to decarbonise, digitise and increased efficiency in logistics.
With an estimated population of 3.0 million people, Armenia’s GDP was approximately $25.4 billion (nominal) in 2024.
The country’s economy is centered on sectors such as mining (particularly copper and molybdenum), agriculture (including grapes, vegetables, and livestock), and manufacturing (including food processing and textiles).
Armenia’s transportation system is landlocked, and its infrastructure is primarily focused on roads and railways. The country has a roadway system of 7,843 km and an 850 km railway network. Armenia does not have any seaports and relies on transit routes through neighboring countries for trade.
Armenia’s economic growth has been steady, with a forecasted growth rate of approximately 5% until 2028, according to the IMF.
Despite challenges — such as the lack of direct access to the sea — Armenia’s strategic position between Europe, Asia and the Middle East provides opportunities for trade and regional connectivity. The government is working to improve infrastructure and enhance its position as a regional trade and logistics hub.
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Uzbekistan has a population of 31.1 million, growing at 0.83% annually. 
Tajikistan has a population of 9.2 million, growing at 1.36% annually. 
Kyrgyzstan has a population of 6.1 million, growing at 0.82% annually. 
Turkmenistan has a population of 6.5 million, growing at 0.99% annually. 
Kazakhstan, with a population of approximately 19.8 million as of April 2023, is poised for steady growth, expected to exceed 20 million by 2025. 
With a population of approximately 4.9 million, Georgia’s GDP was projected to reach $33 billion (nominal) in 2024. 
With a population of around 10.4 million, Azerbaijan’s GDP was estimated to be $75.649 billion (nominal) in 2024. 
With an estimated population of 3.0 million people, Armenia’s GDP was approximately $25.4 billion (nominal) in 2024.