Georgia adopts landlord model for Anaklia deep-sea port development, minister

The Georgian government has decided to develop the Anaklia Deep Sea Port under the landlord port model, with the state retaining ownership and responsibility for the development and management of core maritime and port infrastructure, Economy and Sustainable Development Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili has said.

Speaking at a briefing on Monday, Kvrivishvili said the model would allow Georgia to develop the port in partnership with several countries and companies simultaneously, rather than relying on a single partner as previously planned.

She said the approach was intended to create better conditions for attracting cargo and ensuring the port operated as efficiently as possible.

"The construction of Anaklia port is of great importance for strengthening Georgia's transit role and, consequently, for the country's sustainable economic development," Kvrivishvili said.

She highlighted the growing importance of the Middle Corridor in connecting Europe and Asia and said Georgia played a key role in the trade route.

According to Kvrivishvili, Georgia's existing port infrastructure is operating at maximum capacity, while cargo volumes are increasing across all categories.

She said cargo turnover increased by 21% between January and April 2026 compared with the same period last year, while total growth over the past four years reached 46%.

The Georgian government plans to invest $7 billion in strategic transport infrastructure by 2032, including the construction of Anaklia port, the modernisation of Georgian Railway and the completion of the country's motorway network, Kvrivishvili said.

She said the Anaklia project had attracted interest from neighbouring countries, Central Asian states, China, Gulf countries and Western companies, giving the project strategic significance beyond the region.

Under the landlord model, the state will build the core port infrastructure as well as road and railway connections to Anaklia. International investors and private operators will finance and develop container and bulk cargo terminals, according to the minister.

Kvrivishvili said the government particularly welcomed investment in Anaklia port from countries participating in the Middle Corridor, including China, Central Asian states and Azerbaijan.

"The decision is based on our main objective: with the participation of partner countries and consideration of their interests, Anaklia port should become a centre for international interests, capital and cargo flows," she said.

Kvrivishvili added that the new development model would strengthen Georgia's national interests, create new economic opportunities and reinforce the country's position as a key participant in the Middle Corridor.