The First Deputy Minister of Finance, Giorgi Kakauridze, said on Wednesday "many" investors were interested in the implementation of the Anaklia Port project.
A few days ago, the Minister of Economy Levan Davitashvili noted that "Abu Dhabi Ports" of the United Emirates was also included among the interested investors.
The Deputy Minister of Finance, Giorgi Kakauridze, explains that the state did not intend to conclude such an agreement with the potential investor of Anaklia Port, where the government has certain guarantees for cargo turnover.
"Today, many different investors hold consultations with the Ministry of Economy and the government, there were many meetings. Now, this very agency is purchasing consulting services that will help us announce a new tender, and I am sure that next year it will be possible to find a new investor who does not require the issuance of state guarantees that if there is no cargo turnover, the state will repay the debts. It will be impossible for the state to take care of cargo flow in Anaklia Port, that is why a private investor is needed, and the state participation should be minimal. Accordingly, the private sector should attract the cargo that should operate this port. I do not rule out that the state will spend some investments, besides the fact that the arrangement of railway and road infrastructure is planned, although the state will never guarantee the turnover of cargo. I am sure that in the first half of the next year, the conditions will be prepared, according to which the new investor will be revealed," said Giorgi Kakauridze.
