“This port is part of the physical lifeline connecting Georgia to Europe. It is also a symbol of Georgia’s continued Euro-Atlantic aspirations,” said US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan in her speech at the opening of a new port in Poti town of the western Samegrelo region.

According to her, infrastructure projects – like this new Pace Terminal – drive broader economic growth for Georgia.

“I’m honored to be here with you. I toured this project in 2020 when it was under construction, and I am thrilled to see the final result. It is wonderful to celebrate this milestone with all of you.

I’m delighted that the United States, through the Development Finance Corporation, has played a key role in the Pace Terminal’s construction. We wish that our DFC colleagues could be with us here in person, but I am so glad they were able to send recorded remarks for the occasion.

This $50 million investment is the DFC’s largest loan ever to a single project, not only in Georgia, but in all of the Caucasus. It is a demonstration of our continued commitment to Georgia’s prosperity and to the Georgian people.

Infrastructure projects – like this new Pace Terminal – drive broader economic growth for Georgia. This port expansion supported jobs in construction and will continue to provide employment in port operations, logistics management, and freight forwarding. Eventually, it will also support more jobs in other fields as more Georgian companies import and export their goods.

Seaports are more than just infrastructure. This terminal is part of a larger ambition for Georgia to serve as a transit hub connecting the East and West and the gateway for trade between Europe and Asia. With the global supply chain under scrutiny, we have all had to take a closer look at not only where our goods come from, but also how they reach us.

This terminal expansion will improve Georgia’s ability to move goods efficiently across the region, interconnecting ports, roads, and rail. Georgia’s investments in becoming the safe, responsible transport partner come at an opportune time. These investments further Georgia’s ability to make global and regional connections when the world is looking for alternative routes and supply chains.

Additionally, seaports form a key link between prosperity and security. As a steadfast strategic partner, the United States supports the development of Georgia’s ports. U.S. and Georgian mutual interests are served in an environment that respects freedom of navigation, access to waterways, the rule of law, and national sovereignty. This port is part of the physical lifeline connecting Georgia to Europe. It is also a symbol of Georgia’s continued Euro-Atlantic aspirations,” US Ambassador said.

Kelly Degnan said she was looked forward to seeing the increased trade and prosperity that the new terminal would bring to Georgia.