Will Georgia’s North-South Corridor boost trade, or make it dependent on Russia?
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Manana Kochladze
The North-South Corridor project, whose aim is to promote trade with Russia, is difficult to align with the Bank’s stated goals and policies. The ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia and the introduction of sanctions against Russia raise questions about the purpose of the Kvesheti-Kobi Road and the whole North-South Corridor of which this road is a part. In this context, international financial institutions bear responsibility for encouraging Georgia’s government to increase trade and transit toward Russia, at the expense of the country’s budget.
