_{The 5th Tbilisi Silk Road Forum, to be held on October 22–23, 2025 in Tbilisi, will convene a dynamic assembly of global leaders under the visionary theme “Invest in Connectivity – Grow in Stability.” This leading biennial gathering will welcome over 2,000 delegates from more than 60 countries, including heads of state, senior government officials, ministers, business executives, international organization leaders, and media representatives. In an era of complex geopolitical shifts and economic transitions, the Forum serves as a vital platform for dialogue and cooperation on enhancing regional and global connectivity. Since its inception as a key initiative announced at the 69th Session of the UN General Assembly in 2014, the Tbilisi Silk Road Forum (launched in 2015) has grown into a leading international event that consistently fosters strategic discussions on trade, transport, energy, and digital linkages. Each edition (2015, 2017, 2019, 2023) has built momentum, connecting East and West and spurring collaborative solutions to today’s connectivity challenges.}

_{BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE}

_{For over a decade, the Tbilisi Silk Road Forum has reinforced the vision of connectivity as the cornerstone of stability and prosperity. Established under the patronage of the Government of Georgia, the Forum has evolved into a principal venue for multi-sector dialogue. As the world copes with emerging challenges – from supply chain reconfigurations and energy transitions to digital transformation – the Forum’s 5th edition comes at a pivotal time. It will build on the successes of previous forums to drive meaningful exchanges on critical regional and global issues. A long-standing partner since the early days, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) continues to lend crucial support to the Forum’s mission of economic integration. International financial institutions such as ADB have not only participated actively but also invested in Georgia’s connectivity: ADB’s current $3 billion portfolio of projects is helping connect Georgia with its neighbors and transform the country into a regional hub. Such support underscores the Forum’s role in turning ideas into action. Notably, past forums have catalyzed tangible cooperation – for example, the 2023 Forum saw Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan agree to establish a joint railway company to boost the Middle Corridor trade route, demonstrating the Forum’s impact in forging real-world connectivity solutions.}

_{GEORGIA’S GEOSTRATEGIC ROLE – BRIDGING EAST AND WEST}

_{Georgia’s location and commitment uniquely position it as a hub of Eurasian connectivity. Tbilisi, with its ancient heritage as a key stop along the historic Silk Road, has for centuries been a natural crossroads between Europe and Asia. Today, that legacy is renewed: Georgia is a pivotal player in the Middle Corridor, the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor that links East and West across the South Caucasus. Leveraging robust transport infrastructure, modern logistics networks, and extensive free trade agreements (including with the EU, China, Hong Kong, China, UK, Turkey, EFTA, UAE, CIS), Georgia serves as a strategic gateway for commerce between East and West. Ongoing infrastructure development projects – from port to railways and digital highways – further enhance this role. Georgia has invested significantly in modernizing infrastructure and fostering efficient trade routes. The Middle Corridor across Georgia is fast emerging as a stable and secure alternative to traditional routes - one of the shortest and most reliable East–West transportation options. Georgia is also spearheading energy and digital connectivity projects, such as the Black Sea submarine electricity cable and fiber-optic cable linking the Caucasus to Europe, which strengthen regional integration. Equally important, Georgia’s stable, pro-business environment – underpinned by its commitment to peace and regional cooperation – makes it a reliable partner for international initiatives. This has been acknowledged by global stakeholders: for instance, EBRD Vice President Alain Pilloux hailed “Georgia as a second-wave reforms leader… [whose] progressive approach to trade… is more than welcoming.” Such endorsements highlight Georgia’s role as a credible, forward-looking hub for connectivity and investment.}

_{FORUM OBJECTIVES}

_{The 2025 Tbilisi Silk Road Forum aims to achieve several strategic objectives, reinforcing the idea that investing in connectivity yields shared stability and growth. Key objectives include:}

• _{Foster international partnerships across all connectivity sectors – bringing public and private stakeholders together to collaborate on new initiatives and strengthen existing ties.}
• _{Enhance effectiveness of the “Middle Corridor”, improving the capacity, and efficiency of this vital East–West transit route as a viable transportation artery and growth catalyst for the region.}
• _{Facilitate investment in regional infrastructure projects (transport, energy, digital), mobilizing resources and know-how for critical infrastructure such as ports, highways, railways, and energy networks that link economies.}
• _{Develop a shared vision for strategic regional initiatives, aligning national strategies and international programs (such as TEN-T, China’s Belt & Road, TRACECA, CAREC, etc.) toward common goals.}
• _{Highlight Georgia’s importance as a strategic hub for trade, energy, transportation, digital and financial services – showcasing the country’s opportunities and reforms to encourage trade and investment partnerships.}

_{These objectives reflect a commitment to cross-sectoral collaboration and to translating the Forum’s dialogues into actionable plans that promote stability through connectivity.}

_{KEY FEATURES AND HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 5TH FORUM}

_{The Tbilisi Silk Road Forum 2025 offers a rich and engaging program designed to inspire visionary thinking and practical cooperation:}

• _{High-Level Participation: Over 2,000 participants from 60+ countries (heads of state, ministers, CEOs, international organizations, and experts) will gather, ensuring a diverse and influential mix of perspectives. This inclusive environment enables direct dialogue among policymakers and business leaders, creating opportunities for public-private partnerships and new alliances.}
• _{GFTN Fintech Georgia Summit: A major highlight of the Silk Road Forum is Fintech Summit, organized in collaboration with the Singapore-based organization - Global Finance & Technology Network. This summit will convene fintech industry leaders, investors, regulators and policymakers to discuss innovative visions in digital finance and showcase Georgia’s rapid rise as a regional digital financial hub. It will explore cutting-edge fintech solutions, digital banking, and blockchain innovations, reinforcing the Forum’s focus on the digital economy’s role in connectivity and growth.}
• _{Thematic Panel Sessions: Insightful panel discussions will delve into key dimensions of connectivity and development. Five main panel themes include:}
  • _{Future of Global Trade in a Rapidly Evolving Economic Landscape – examining trends in global commerce, supply chains, and trade policies amid economic shifts.}
  • _{The Middle Corridor’s Heightened Relevance as a Viable Transportation Route and Growth Catalyst – focusing on the Corridor’s potential to redefine Europe-Asia logistics and unlock new economic opportunities.}
  • _{Regional Cooperation for Energy Integration to Secure Long-Term Energy Security – addressing how countries can collaborate on energy transit, renewable projects, and power market integration for mutual security.}
  • _{Latest Trends, Groundbreaking Technologies and Transformations in the Digital Industry – highlighting digital transformation, tech innovations (cloud computing, AI, ICT, e-commerce, etc.), and their impact on connectivity and competitiveness.}
  • _{Positioning Georgia as a Strategic Investment Hub - discussing Georgia’s investment climate, reforms, and opportunities across diverse sectors, in the context of wider regional growth.}

_{These panels will feature high-profile speakers and experts, fostering an exchange of ideas and best practices across sectors. Each session is designed to yield actionable insights and recommendations.}

• _{Infrastructure and Connectivity Projects Spotlight: In parallel to the main panels, dedicated side events and discussions will spotlight key regional infrastructure projects that exemplify connectivity in action. This includes focus sessions on the planned Anaklia Deep Sea Port – a potential game-changer for Black Sea trade – and the Black Sea submarine cable projects (both energy and digital) that will connect Georgia and the South Caucasus directly with Europe. By featuring these projects, the Forum provides a platform for investors, developers, and policymakers to discuss progress, form partnerships, and accelerate project realization.}
• _{CAREC Special Session: A longstanding element of the Forum is the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program (CAREC) Session, which brings Central Asian partners into the conversation. This session will review ongoing CAREC programs and new proposals to enhance continental connectivity, ensuring synergy between South Caucasus initiatives and Central Asian connectivity efforts. It underlines Georgia’s role in the broader regional context and the Forum’s inclusive approach to connectivity from the Black Sea to the Caspian and beyond.}
• _{Networking and Partnership Opportunities: Beyond formal sessions, the Forum is structured to maximize networking. Ample time and dedicated spaces are provided for B2B and B2G meetings, where companies and officials can meet one-on-one to discuss deals, sign agreements, and launch initiatives. Previous editions have facilitated hundreds of bilateral meetings and cooperation agreements, and the 2025 Forum will expand these opportunities. An on-site exhibition and an investment marketplace will allow countries and companies to present projects and services, spurring connections among investors, innovators, and policymakers. This environment is ideal for discovering opportunities, whether it’s a startup showcasing a fintech solution or governments discussing corridor syncronization.}

_{FOSTERING GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS FOR STABILITY AND GROWTH}

_{Under the banner “Invest in Connectivity – Grow in Stability,” the Tbilisi Silk Road Forum 2025 will reinforce the message that building connections is the pathway to shared prosperity and security. By uniting voices from East and West, advanced and emerging economies, public and private sectors, the Forum creates an unparalleled platform for cross-sector collaboration in trade, transportation, energy, digital economy, and finance. Such comprehensive engagement is crucial at a time when the international community must navigate multifaceted challenges – from addressing supply-chain vulnerabilities to adapting to climate imperatives and the digital revolution. The Forum’s discussions and partnerships will contribute to a more resilient, diversified global connectivity architecture that can weather geopolitical uncertainties and drive sustainable development.}

_{Crucially, the Tbilisi Silk Road Forum is not just about dialogue; it is about delivering results. Its track record includes fostering regional diplomatic engagement and concrete agreements (e.g. new transit agreements and investment deals) that have bolstered infrastructure development and economic integration. Each participant – whether a head of state or a startup founder – plays a part in shaping initiatives that extend beyond the conference halls. The spirit of the Silk Road lives on in this collaborative ethos, reminding us that when nations invest in connectivity, they indeed grow in stability.}

_{CONCLUSION: A VISIONARY GATHERING IN 2025}

_{The 5th Tbilisi Silk Road Forum will be a dynamic and forward-looking gathering, setting the stage for the next era of Eurasian connectivity. Georgia, as host, extends its hospitality and commitment to creating a space where visionary ideas can translate into impactful partnerships. In light of global challenges and transitions, this Forum stands as a beacon of cooperation – one that emphasizes common interests and collective growth. We look forward to welcoming the world’s leaders, innovators, and thinkers to Tbilisi in October 2025. Together, through candid dialogue and joint action, we will create new pathways of connectivity that strengthen economic stability and promote peace and prosperity for all.}