Economy Minister: Georgia and US have the same position about Anaklia Port
By Tea Mariamidze
Friday, June 14
Turnava made the statement in response to the comment made by the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo two days ago at the joint press conference with the Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze in Washington.
Pompeo said he hopes Georgia completes the project, adding it will enhance Georgia's relationship with free economies and prevent Georgia from falling prey to Russian or Chinese economic influence. Those pretended friends do not have Georgia's best interests at heart."
Anaklia is adjacent to occupied territories of Abkhazia, and this fact further increases its importance in terms of increased attractiveness of Georgia by improving human contacts and development of territories along the administrative border.
The project of Anaklia port focuses exactly on the increase of Georgia's maritime-transportation potential. Anaklia Development Consortium obtained a right to implement this project through the process of tender. TBC Holding (Georgia), Conti International (USA), SSA Marine (USA), British Wondernet Express (Central Asia) and G-Star LTD (Bulgaria) are members of the consortium.
Anaklia will be the first deep-sea port in Georgia. The first phase of the port is supposed to be completed in 2021. The port will be able to host ships from 2022. Anaklia port will be developed in 9 phases, and total investments will amount to USD 2.5 billion. Therefore, this is the largest project ever implemented in Georgia. The port will be 16 meters deep, which will allow hosting 10 000 TEU ships. The port can transmit 100 million tons of cargo annually.
Natia Turunava said it is natural that the strategic partner of Georgia raised the issue of this important project.
"The US government and our vision on this issue are identical, in principle. The Anaklia project is economically and politically important for Georgia, and that is why the Georgian government is so supportive of this project. We will actively support the negotiation process, and I think we will be able to move to the next phase of the project in the nearest period," Turnava said.
The Minister also underlined that Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze once again extended the deadline for Anaklia Consortium to bring the issue of project funding to an end.
The decision of the PM was welcomed by the Anaklia Development Consortium too. According to the statement, the step is very important for the successful completion of negotiations with international banks to achieve a final agreement regarding the 8-point list between the government and international financial institutions.
"The Anaklia Development Consortium declares with full responsibility that it has fully mobilized the capital necessary for the project and an official announcement about this will be made after the Government of Georgia, and international financial institutions reach an agreement," reads the statement.