Georgian Parliament Committee Chair emphasises importance of Anaklia port development

Rati Ionatamishvili, the Chair of the Human Rights Protection and Civil Integration Committee of the Parliament of Georgia, on Wednesday underscored the significance of the Anaklia port project in the country’s north-west, claiming its development held “crucial importance” not only for the wider region but also for facilitating a corridor connecting Europe and Asia.

Ionatamishvili added the “strategic value” of the port extended far beyond Georgia and the Caucasus region and made it an international endeavour.

In comments on the selection of a Chinese company in the tender for the project last month, he said the Government had aimed to ensure the competition was “open and transparent” and allowed Western companies to also participate.

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Despite our efforts, we ultimately made a decision that we believe is crucial for the development of this concept”, Ionatamishvili said.

The official also discussed the participation of the Chinese company in the project from an economic perspective, in response to domestic concerns around and criticism of China's involvement in the project.

European Union member states and the United States collaborate with China and we have not received a specific explanation as to why this cooperation should be deemed unacceptable for our country. It is essential to carry out projects that bring economic benefits not only to Georgia, but also to EU member states and the Anaklia project certainly falls into that category”, the he added.

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Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze earlier this month said a joint company would be established for the project, with a state company holding a 51 percent share in the initiative and the China Communications Construction Company granted a 49 percent share.

The PM added construction works for the marine infrastructure of the port would commence “very soon” as the tender process had been completed.