Georgian MP blames opposition leaders Khazaradze and Japaridze for delays to Anaklia port project

A Georgian MP has accused former TBC Bank founders Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze of inflicting reputational and economic damage on the country by failing to deliver on commitments related to the Anaklia deep-sea port project in the country’s west.

Vladimer Bozhadze, a member of the parliamentary group European Socialists, on Friday said the pair’s actions had “significantly hindered” development of the port and harmed Georgia’s international image.

He pointed to rulings in Paris and Washington arbitration courts in favour of the Georgian government as evidence that the authorities had done “everything possible” to advance the project.

“Due to Khazaradze and Japaridze’s failure to meet their obligations, the port’s launch was delayed by eight years,” Bozhadze wrote on social media. He added that construction of the Anaklia port was now in an active phase and, “alongside other major infrastructure projects,” would contribute to Georgia’s economic growth.