Paata Tsagareishvili, Director of the Transport Corridor Research Center, believes that switching the Anaklia Deep Sea Port project to the so-called “landlord model” was the only realistic alternative under the current circumstances. However, he says the model will create significant financial and management challenges for Georgia.
According to Tsagareishvili, the landlord model is a globally recognized approach in port management, but it is usually implemented by financially stronger states. He noted that Georgia’s main challenges are not related to the model itself, but to the country’s ability to manage a large-scale infrastructure project, secure financing, and effectively implement public-private cooperation.
Tsagareishvili also highlighted the potential role of the UAE-based logistics company AD Ports, which has been expanding its presence along the Middle Corridor. In his view, the company’s activities in the region, including projects in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia, could create opportunities for future involvement in Anaklia.
The expert added that the progress of related infrastructure projects will be a key indicator of Anaklia’s future prospects. According to him, if road and railway connections to the port are developed intensively over the next 18 months to two years, it will significantly improve the project’s feasibility and attract greater interest from potential investors and operators.
