Quote:
Originally Posted by cyberxxx
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yup!
Economic and Social Importance of the BTC Pipeline for Georgia
At every historical stage of its existence, any country has to solve a set of problems
related to its economic development, of which the primary and most important is
the choice of strategy. Following from this, tactical steps are determined. This
problem is an especially critical one for Georgia as the country is not enriched with substantial mineral resources2 and, therefore, this factor has no material influence
on the national economy.
In geo-economic terms, Georgia is situated along the quickest route linking Europe
with Asia, a fact that has naturally led to the emergence of the idea of reviving the
ancient Silk Road.4 Ultimately, this translated into projects like TRACECA
(Transport Corridor Europe Caucasus Asia) and INOGATE (Interstate Oil and
Gas Transport to Europe) both of which are of greatest importance not only for
Georgia?s economy, but also that for the entire Caucasus.5 It is exactly on these
projects that Georgia?s international economic function rests, and its economic
development depends.
The great energy potential of the Caspian basin7 requires its energy resources to be
transported by means of a ramified pipeline system,8 one branch of which will cross
Georgian territory.9 At present, Georgia has two sea terminals from which Caspian
oil is transported to the rest of the world. One is situated in Supsa, with a capacity
of 200,000 barrels/day (b/d), and another in the seaport of Batumi, with a capacity
of 200,000 b/d. However, their benefit (like that of the Russian port of
Novorossiysk, 680,000 b/d), and particularly their potential of expansion is limited
by the straits of the Bosporus.
Source:
http://www.silkroadstudies.org/BTC_5.pdf