„we strongly support the development of the Anaklia deep water port, which is critical infrastructure for Georgia to develop. It would be a huge contribution as Georgia develops its role in the Middle Corridor, to bring goods from Central Asia to Europe. Development of the port would also bring jobs to Georgia and the region. We hope to see the Government of Georgia move forward to tender the project and select a qualified developer through a transparent and competitive process“, - US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan told Europetime.
„Russia’s war against Ukraine has demonstrated the need for alternatives to the northern transit route through Russia, and the United States supports the development of the Middle Corridor to transport goods, energy, and data from Central Asia to Europe.
To develop the Middle Corridor requires regional cooperation with the efficient integration of road, rail, and sea transportation infrastructure. The United States has long supported Georgia’s economic development and recognizes the key role Georgia can play in the Middle Corridor with its access to the Black Sea.
Specifically, we strongly support the development of the Anaklia deep water port, which is critical infrastructure for Georgia to develop. It would be a huge contribution as Georgia develops its role in the Middle Corridor, to bring goods from Central Asia to Europe. Development of the port would also bring jobs to Georgia and the region. We hope to see the Government of Georgia move forward to tender the project and select a qualified developer through a transparent and competitive process.
In addition, the Development Finance Corporation supported the expansion of the Pace Terminal at Poti Seaport through a $50 million loan. The terminal expansion, which opened in January 2022, more than doubled the cargo capacity for the terminal, an important step that moves Georgia closer to its goal of becoming an East-West trade hub. Trammo is another good example, a U.S. company which facilitates the transport of fertilizer from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
Looking forward, the US government is seeking new opportunities for partnership across the Middle Corridor. In Georgia, this means exploring new infrastructure investment opportunities, and increasing our economic development support to the transport and logistics sectors to increase efficiency and value of goods being shipped from and through Georgia.
These investments and partnerships will result in greater global economic integration for Georgia, and more lucrative employment opportunities for Georgians.
As always, we are working closely with the citizens of Georgia, the government, and the business community to help ensure Georgia is ready to take full advantage of this opportunity.
For example, we stand ready to assist the Georgian government in their path towards greater adoption of international standards for road safety, and to assist Georgian producers with the resources and skills necessary to compete fairly on the global market.
In summary, the USG sees the increased interest in developing the Middle Corridor as a substantial opportunity for Georgia’s path towards a prosperous, democratic, globally integrated future“, - Kelly Degnan told Europetime.
Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili revealed on 12 December that the long-awaited deep sea port of Anaklia will be built with the government’s participation, which will subsequently own 51% of it. The Prime Minister noted that an international competition will be announced to select the partners and companies which will participate in the project.
