TRIPP could diversify South Caucasus transport routes — expert

The implementation of the TRIPP project could help diversify transport routes in the South Caucasus and increase the region's geopolitical importance, economist and professor Vakhtang Charaya told Report's Georgia bureau.

Commenting on the significance of the project for the region, Charaya said alternative transport routes are essential if the South Caucasus is to become a major geopolitical and economic player.

"Transport routes such as TRIPP need to be diversified. A single railway or a single route cannot turn the South Caucasus into a geopolitically significant player," he said.

Charaya said the availability of multiple transport routes, along with peace and partnership in the region, would give businesses a wider range of options.

"If there are different transport routes, peace and partnership here, businesses will be able to choose the best alternative for themselves. At the same time, competition between the routes may emerge," he said.

According to the expert, such competition could improve service quality, lower prices and reduce cargo delivery times.

"Such partnership and healthy competition will create greater opportunities for our region in the long term," Charaya said.

He added that expanding cooperation, partnership and peace in the region would serve the interests of all participating countries.

"In my view, the more cooperation, partnership and peace there is, the better it will be for every country and every participant in the region," he said.