Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze declares, negotiations with the Chinese state corporation CCCC over the construction of the Anaklia deep-water port are progressing, though six key issues remain unresolved. Talks with the company have been ongoing since May 29, 2024.
“The development of Anaklia is one of the most important priorities. Negotiations are underway successfully, and you can imagine the scale of the process. There are a lot of details. There are six main issues that need to be clarified with the investor, and all of these issues are being actively discussed. As soon as we reach an agreement, the final deal will be signed immediately,” Kobakhidze stated.
On May 29, 2024, the Georgian government named CCCC as the preferred investor in the selection process. At the time, former Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili suggested that the Chinese company could be officially declared the winner within days. However, more than a year later, no final agreement has been signed, and negotiations are still ongoing.
The first phase of the Anaklia project involves an investment of $600 million, with plans to build a container terminal capable of handling 600,000 containers annually.
Under the competition terms, the Georgian state will retain 51% ownership, while the private investor will hold 49% and bear the primary responsibility for capital investments. Only two companies reached the final stage of the selection process: CCCC (through its subsidiary China Harbour PTE) and Terminal Investment Limited (TIL), a Swiss company linked to the MSC shipping group. TIL did not submit a final proposal, leaving CCCC as the sole bidder.
Meanwhile, the Georgian government signed a separate contract in August 2024 with Belgian company Jan De Nul for marine infrastructure works. The company is currently carrying out dredging and breakwater construction with GEL 150 million in state funds.
Thus, while construction works have begun with government financing, the final investor agreement with CCCC remains pending.
