Anaklia port can become 'stillborn business', opposition figure Gotsiridze

Georgian opposition politician Roman Gotsiridze has warned that the Anaklia Deep Sea Port project could become a "stillborn business" following delays, the absence of a foreign investor and changes in the regional geopolitical environment.

Gotsiridze claimed Chinese investors had refused to build the port and accused the Georgian Dream government of misleading the public.

"The Chinese refused to build Anaklia. In effect, they deceived us. For three years, they carried out Russia's instructions, and Anaklia port was left without a foreign investor," he said.

Gotsiridze argued that the main issue was not financing but the port's long-term viability.

"After the loss of a significant and critically important amount of time, the absence of a foreign investor and major changes in the geopolitical situation in the region, Anaklia could become a stillborn business," he said.

He accused the ruling Georgian Dream government of committing a crime and betraying the public.

"The Georgian Dream government committed a crime and betrayed the people," Gotsiridze said.

His comments came after Economy and Sustainable Development Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili announced that the government had decided to develop Anaklia port under the landlord model, with the state retaining ownership of the core maritime and port infrastructure.