Georgia looks to Azerbaijan for Anaklia port investment, minister says

Georgia is seeking investment from Azerbaijan and other countries involved in developing the Middle Corridor as it moves forward with construction of the Anaklia deep-sea port under a state-led model, Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili has stated.

Speaking at a briefing, she announced that the Georgian government had decided to develop the Anaklia deep-sea port independently, without a lead private investor, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

"The Georgian government has decided to build the Anaklia deep-sea port using the world's most widely applied landlord model, under which the state will retain ownership of the core maritime and port infrastructure and will be responsible for its development and management. This model will make it possible to develop the port in partnership with multiple countries and companies, creating better conditions for attracting cargo and ensuring the port's efficient operation," she noted.

Under the project, the government will finance the construction of the port infrastructure as well as road and rail access routes. Investment in container and bulk cargo terminals is expected to come from international investors and private operators.

Kvrivishvili added that Georgia is primarily looking for investment from countries participating in the development of the Middle Corridor, including China, the Central Asian states and Azerbaijan.

Previously, the project's sole investor was the Chinese-Singaporean consortium CCCC. However, an agreement that was expected to be signed in the summer of 2025, under which the Georgian state would have held a 51% stake in the port, was never concluded.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov