Page 56 - GEORptSep21

Maersk launches first “block train” to link China and Georgia
default, and a 'Moderate' assessment for support track record and socio-political implications of default.
Danish integrated shipping company Maersk has operated the first block train—a train type in which all the railcars carry the same commodity and are shipped from the same origin to the same destination—connecting China and Georgia. It is the first such service developed specifically to meet Georgian import requirements.
On October 4, the train from Xi’an in Shaanxi province, China, arrived in Tbilisi, completing a journey that inaugurated the new rail connection, which complements Maersk’s current coverage of the Caucasian republics (Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia), Maersk announced.
“We are extremely happy to manage the first ever block train shipment under a product based entirely on intercontinental rail. We arranged this special service specifically for Georgian customers, and we plan to develop block train solutions for the whole Caucasus Region”, Irakli Danelia, Georgia commercial representative at A.P. Moller – Maersk, said in a press release.
In addition to providing another goods transit connection between Asia and Europe, further expansion of the product will strengthen Georgia’s role in the New Silk Road development. Xi'an has traditionally been the starting point of the Silk Road, namely the land routes that have connected East and West for over one thousand years.
“We look forward to seeing the first block train shipment under Maersk’s intercontinental rail (ICR) product help Georgia and this corridor in becoming a connecting bridge between Europe and Asia,” added Danelia.
9.1.3 Aviation sector news
Georgia restores 57% of pre-crisis flights
Compared to 2019, 58% of airlines serving Georgia have resumed operations and the frequency of flights to and from the country has been restored to 57%, first deputy head of the National Tourism Administration Tamar Koriauli said in an interview given to Palitra radio station.
Georgia's land borders were reopened to visitors as of June 1.
According to Koriauli, Georgia has already received guests from 54 countries since the reopening. All the visitors were required to show they had passed a PCR test for coronavirus. Citizens and residents of 54 countries are presently permitted to travel to Georgia
“We are one of the first [countries] to open the border to vaccinated visitors. It is important for the recovery of tourism. It is also gratifying that, compared to 2019 data, 58% of airlines have resumed operations. The [flights] frequency has been restored by 57%," Koriauli said.
Asked whether the removal of the country's curfew was being considered, Koryali said that “benefits are being considered for vaccinated guests”, implying that they might not be subject to same restrictions as the general population.
"The issue of the curfew is actively on the agenda. Representatives of both economic group agencies and the Ministry of Health are actively considering the additional benefits that vaccinated tourists may have. Also, the removal of various types of restrictions for places where the personnel is vaccinated. I mean both accommodation and food facilities, which we hope will open soon and will help attract more tourists in the future," Koriauli added.
56 GEORGIA Country Report September 2021 www.intellinews.com