Central Asia-Caucasus Institute Senior Fellow Highlights Growth of Middle Corridor and Uzbek Manufacturing in Georgia
Laura Linderman, Senior Fellow for Eurasia and Director of Programs at the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute, has highlighted the increasing strategic importance of the Middle Corridor. According to Linderman, trans-Caspian cargo has seen a significant increase, roughly quintupling since 2018. This growth is further evidenced by Uzbek manufacturers planning final-stage production in Georgia’s Poti free zone. Linderman notes that while Georgia has maintained ties with Central Asia since the 1990s, these connections were previously limited and primarily focused on the Baku–Tbilisi energy axis. She emphasizes that current developments represent a shift towards 'coordinated institutionalisation' rather than isolated bilateral gestures. These changes are attributed to Russia’s declining influence, which has created opportunities for smaller Eurasian states to pursue new strategic directions. 
