Georgia’s President: State ownership and development of Anaklia Deep Sea Port is best move forward

“The state possesses the full capacity to develop the Anaklia Deep Sea Port independently. The state will retain ownership of this port, which marks the absolute best move forward,” the President of Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili, has declared, welcoming the decision.

“This choice clearly demonstrates the approach of the Georgian state and our government: first and foremost, complete openness and transparency surrounding this issue. We stood ready to review proposals from all interested nations and commercial entities and to act accordingly. However, undertaking this project independently is the optimal path. The state has the means to develop the Anaklia Deep Sea Port itself. Most crucially, our country will retain the controlling stake.

Concurrently, our transparent relations with various global bodies, businesses, and foreign governments ensure that our multi-vector foreign policy can be leveraged effectively within the Anaklia Deep Sea Port project. This decision was preceded by a series of high-level meetings, including visits from the Presidents of Uzbekistan and Serbia, all of whom commended our progress. Every nation with a vested interest in the Middle Corridor is eager to play a role in this process.

The best possible outcome is for the state itself to own the port, whilst simultaneously providing an avenue for all partners to realise their strategic interests. Because our country is expanding economically and Georgia has proven to be a reliable partner, the desire and commitment from various nations are clearly evident. This was the most positive decision possible, that the state will be the sole custodian of a port of this magnitude. It is mutually beneficial, and I wholeheartedly welcome this step,” President Kavelashvili stated.

The Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Mariam Kvrivishvili, further clarified that the government has decided to construct the Anaklia Port using the “Landlord” model. Under this framework, the state will remain the sole proprietor of the core marine and port infrastructure. Minister Kvrivishvili added that Anaklia will remain a resolutely Georgian port, with international companies brought in specifically to manage the terminal infrastructure, which will bear no impact on actual ownership.