Georgian finance, infrastructure ministers, ADB president discuss cooperation

Georgian Finance Minister Lasha Khutsishvili and Infrastructure Minister Irakli Karseladze on Friday discussed cooperation with the Asian Development Bank during a meeting with the Bank’s President Masatsugu Asakawa. 

The ministers briefed Asakawa on current state in the country’s economy on the backdrop of existing challenges in the wider region, and reform agenda aimed at increasing the country’s transit, logistic and tourism potential with the increased demand for the Middle Corridor - a multimodal transport corridor connecting China to Europe through the South Caucasus.

The meeting also pointed out the investments made by the Bank for construction of Rikoti Pass, a major crossing between eastern and western parts of Georgia and Kvesheti-Kobi tunnel on the North-South Road Corridor.

• New section added to Georgia’s longest tunnel with “90% of work completed” - Infrastructure Ministry

Georgian officials expressed their gratitude to Asakawa for the Bank’s support in “various sectors” of the country’s economy including road, regional and municipal, urban, energy and education.

On his part, Asakawa noted the country’s role in development of the Middle Corridor as well as the steps taken by the country aimed to solve climate change problems.

In his social media post, following the meeting, Khutsishvili highlighted his “excellent meeting” with ADB president, and noted the discussions pointed out “most productive and long standing” cooperation between the country and the Bank.

Thrilled to have an excellent meeting with @ADBPresident today.

Reiterated most productive & longstanding ???? btw ???????? and @ADB_HQ We look forward to seeing @ADBPresident again in ???????? in May 2024 for 57th Annual Meeting of ADB. with utmost gratitude. pic.twitter.com/HHYvOHWuSK

— Lasha Khutsishvili ???????? (@Lasha_Khutsish) December 1, 2023