Georgian Gov’t to develop Anaklia Deep-Sea Port under landlord model, says Economy Minister

Georgian Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili announced on Monday that the Government had decided to develop the Anaklia Deep-Sea Port under a landlord model, whereby the state will retain ownership of the core maritime and port infrastructure while overseeing its development and management.

In her remarks, Kvrivishvili noted that the new model would enable the Government to develop the Anaklia Port not with a single partner, as previously planned, but simultaneously in partnership with multiple countries and companies.

“The Government of Georgia has decided to develop the Anaklia Deep-Sea Port under the so-called “landlord” model, under which the state will remain the owner of the core maritime and port infrastructure and will oversee its development and management. The model will enable the state to develop the Anaklia Port not with a single partner, as previously planned, but simultaneously with several countries and companies”, Kvrivishvili said.

She said the decision was based on the Government’s key objective of transforming the Anaklia Port into a hub for international interests, investment, and cargo flows, through the participation of partner countries and the consideration of their strategic interests.

“Alongside the construction of the port infrastructure, the state will provide road and railway access to Anaklia, while investments in container and bulk cargo terminals will be made by international investors and private operators. The Government of Georgia particularly welcomes investment in the Anaklia Port from countries participating in the Middle Corridor, including China, the Central Asian states, and Azerbaijan. This decision is driven by the Government’s main objective: to transform the Anaklia Port into a hub for international interests, capital, and cargo flows through the participation of partner countries and the consideration of their strategic interests. The Government of Georgia expects this decision to further strengthen national interests, create new economic opportunities, and establish the country as a key participant in the Middle Corridor project”, Kvrivishvili concluded.