Today marks another important milestone in the United States’ commitment to investing in sustainable initiatives that strengthen Georgia’s position as a natural transit hub within the Middle Corridor, said on Thursday Alan Purcell, the Acting US Ambassador to Georgia, during the groundbreaking ceremony for a new berth at Poti Port. 

In his remarks, Purcell noted that Georgian statesman and visionary Niko Nikoladze, under whose leadership the construction of the Port of Poti was completed in 1907, had a clear strategic vision for Georgia’s economic development and its role in regional trade and transportation.

“Today’s event reflects that very vision and dream and will elevate Poti’s capabilities to a new level. It marks another important milestone in the long-standing partnership between the United States and Georgia, a relationship that has spanned more than three decades. For years, Georgians and Americans have worked side by side for a better future and the prosperity of both nations”, he said.

“I am always impressed by the stories I hear from Georgian citizens about the positive impact of our partnership. This cooperation has significantly strengthened Georgia’s ability to protect its borders through the improvement of border crossings and ports, the enhancement of defence capabilities, and the establishment of the Coast Guard. In the broader South Caucasus context, the historic peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan brings stability to the entire region”, Purcell continued.

The Acting Ambassador further added that initiatives such as TRIPP (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity) can further strengthen regional connectivity by addressing infrastructure gaps, facilitating the efficient movement of goods and services, and attracting new technologies and expertise.

“Through the Middle Corridor, we can strengthen the economies of the corridor countries while also enhancing regional stability. We also actively support private-sector-led initiatives that create long-term and sustainable solutions for the development of the Middle Corridor”, he noted.

“For example, last year we hosted a trade mission of American companies aimed at identifying opportunities in energy, critical infrastructure, digital trade, emerging technologies, transportation, and logistics within the context of the Middle Corridor”, Purcell continued. 

He highlighted that the US Government has also committed financial resources to encourage such initiatives.

“Today, we celebrate the significant impact of US Government investments in the Middle Corridor through the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). Over the past three decades, DFC has invested $800 million in various private-sector projects across Georgia. Among them is Poti, where we can clearly see the results of DFC’s $50 million investment in the development of the new seaport”, Purcell said.

“We are also pleased to announce an additional $25 million investment from DFC, which will support the continued expansion of the Middle Corridor’s logistics infrastructure”, he added. 

Purcell concluded by emphasising that the United States had been one of Georgia’s strongest supporters for many years. 

“I am proud of the work we have accomplished together and of the close ties between our peoples. We will continue our partnership with Georgia, investing in the Georgian people and our shared economic interests”, the Acting US Ambassador said.