Tamar Ioseliani, Georgia’s Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, on Wednesday said the Anaklia Deep Sea Port was a strategically significant project for both Georgia and the wider region, particularly within the framework of the Middle Corridor, stressing that the facility would reinforce the country’s role as a key hub connecting Europe and Asia.

Speaking to Imedi TV, Ioseliani highlighted the importance of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port and outlined the progress of ongoing construction works at the site.

“Unsurprisingly, there is tremendous interest in the Anaklia Deep Sea Port. This is not simply a project aimed at expanding Georgia’s port capacity; it is a project of strategic importance for the entire region”, she said.

Ioseliani noted that Georgia has ambitious plans to strengthen its position along the Middle Corridor and further develop its role as a regional logistics and transit hub.

“We will further consolidate our position as a bridge between Europe and Asia, and we are already taking concrete steps in that direction. As we speak, major construction works are underway at the Anaklia Deep Sea Port. Two dredging vessels from Jan De Nul’s fleet are currently carrying out dredging operations in the port area. Construction of the breakwater is also progressing, which will protect the harbour basin and enable the port to accommodate large vessels - something Georgia is unfortunately unable to do at present”, she said.

The Deputy Economy Minister also pointed to the strong international interest in the Anaklia project demonstrated during the Georgia International Maritime Forum held in Batumi in recent days.

“As you know, the Government of Georgia adopted the so-called landlord model, under which the state owns and develops the core port infrastructure. At the same time, the Government is building the road and railway links connecting the port to the national transport network. We have also made it clear to our partners that terminal operations will be carried out by the private sector. In this regard, the state is taking all necessary steps to select partners capable of attracting investment, securing cargo flows and bringing the relevant expertise and experience required for the successful operation of the port”, Ioseliani concluded.