The Prime Minister of Georgia, Mamuka Bakhtadze has said that the issue of replacement of Anaklia Deep Sea Port’s investor is not being discussed. 

„Of course, the issue of replacement of the investor is not being discussed, this issue is within the Anaklia Development Consortium.  We spare no effort in supporting the Consortium to fulfill its obligations and mobilize financial resources in order to begin construction of Anaklia Deep Sea Port as soon as possible. 

We have invested a lot of time, energy and money in this project and of course, we do not have the luxury to be delayed the implementation of this project for a long time.  Georgia and the region need this project. We need this project for the full realization of Georgia's transit potential,” Bakhtadze told reporters on Thursday.

According to him, the meeting of the international financial institutions, the Anaklia Development Consortium, and the Georgian government was “very important and productive.”

“There were some issues on which the Ministry of Infrastructure of Georgia and the international financial institutions reached an agreement, but there are issues that are of principal importance, including for taxpayers. When it comes to commercial risk insurance, the following question arises: where is the commercial interest in this project? All the issues in which we can support the Anaklia Development Consortium will continue. The main thing is to show progress. The main thing is to have the feeling from the Consortium that the process is going to end. We are not discussing any alternative option, but we are guided by two principles: first - the project must be completed and the second - we should start this project as soon as possible.” PM said.

As for the completion date of the project, Bakhtadze said that “it is up to the Consortium”

“The consortium should show us that mobilization of financial resources is underway", he added.