Economy Minister Emphasizes 'Responsible' Selection of Private Partner for Anaklia Project
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, June 21, 2024
In response to media inquiries about the Anaklia port project, the Minister of Economy of Georgia, Levan Davitashvili said that there is a constant dialogue with strategic partners. Davitashvili stated he is directly involved in this process to ensure that the partners have complete information about the project.
"As you know, there were talks about one company. We also have another company in the consortium - China Harbor Investment, as well as several subcontractors, and we also consider the involvement of several important, high-reputation, including the Chinese international shipping line - in general, it will be a complex ecosystem, where a consortium made up of many partners will cooperate with the state so that we get the highest possible quality development of this port and Georgia's strategic and commercial interests will be taken into account as much as possible," Davitashvili said.
According to the Economy Minister, the process of selecting a private partner is being carried out with maximum responsibility. He mentioned that it will likely take several more weeks of dialogue to clarify the issues he has discussed publicly. This is to ensure that the proposals received from the consortium fully meet the tender requirements.
"Probably, it will take several more weeks of dialogue to clarify the issues I talked about, including publicly, so that the proposals received from the consortium are fully in line with our tender requirements. If this happens, of course, we will announce the winner and continue to cooperate with them and work on an agreement," said the Minister of Economy.
Davitashvili also provided details about the start of marine works in Anaklia. He explained that the Belgian international engineering company, serving as a consultant to the state on the construction aspects, is currently clarifying the details, a process expected to take about one or two weeks.
"Within the framework of the Anaklia port project, work is being carried out intensively, and naturally, we want quality results to be achieved in both directions," said Davitashvili.
