BSTDB President Calls for Smart Investment in Circular Ports to Strengthen Trade in the Black Sea Region

BSTDB President Calls for Smart Investment in Circular Ports to Strengthen Trade in the Black Sea Region

News | 14-Mar-2026

Green infrastructure, private capital, and development finance essential in building resilient and sustainable port connectivity across the region

Speaking today at the Conference on "Circular Ports for Global Trade: Green Infrastructure and Smart Connectivity", held un Thessaloniki and organized by the Bulgarian-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BHCCI) and the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Dr. Serhat Köksal, BSTDB President, highlighted the significant economic progress achieved in the Black Sea region over the past three decades.

Dr. Köksal noted that the region has experienced remarkable growth in trade and GDP, underlining the growing importance of stronger regional connectivity. He emphasized that transport infrastructure-particularly ports-plays a critical role in fostering deeper economic cooperation, supporting development, and strengthening resilience against global supply chain disruptions.

However, he pointed out that investment in transport and port infrastructure across the region has been uneven. Addressing this gap requires smart, inclusive, and forward-looking investment strategies that prioritize sustainability and efficiency. Dr. Köksal stressed the importance of increased public and private sector investment, supported by stable legal and regulatory frameworks that can attract private capital. In this context, he underscored the role of development finance institutions in mobilizing investment for large-scale infrastructure projects.

Dr. Köksal highlighted the catalytic role development banks such as BSTDB can play by offering credit-enhancement instruments, guarantees, and innovative financial products that attract private capital. He stressed that "sustainable, high-quality, and environmentally responsible port development is essential for long-term regional prosperity." Multilateral development banks, he noted, can help ensure that new infrastructure aligns with green-transition goals while strengthening economic growth throughout the Black Sea region.

BSTDB plans to further expand its focus on infrastructure financing, including projects related to ports, logistics networks, municipal development, and regional connectivity. The Bank aims to support such initiatives, building on its previous successful involvement in port development projects and public-private partnerships.

The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) is an international financial institution established by Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Türkiye, and Ukraine. The BSTDB headquarters are in Thessaloniki, Greece. BSTDB supports economic development and regional cooperation by providing loans, credit lines, equity and guarantees for projects and trade financing in the public and private sectors in its member countries. The authorized capital of the Bank is EUR 3.45 billion. For information on BSTDB, visit www.bstdb.org.

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