Prime Minister of Georgia attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the second phase of construction of the new sea port in Poti.

Speaking at the event, the Head of Government of Georgia noted that demand for Georgia`s transport corridor is growing rapidly and emphasized that the country’s priority is to respond with modern infrastructure.

"Demand for our transport corridor is increasing at a very rapid pace and our task is to meet this demand with modern infrastructure. That is why we are continuing the full modernization of Georgia`s transport network-we are expanding our ports, building the Anaklia Deep Sea Port and upgrading our railway and highway infrastructure", - said Irakli Kobakhidze.

As he noted, the expansion of the Poti Sea Port is further evidence that Georgia is establishing itself as a regional logistics hub.

"This project brings together the state, Georgian business and American financial institutions around a common goal. I would like to express my profound gratitude to the USA International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). This project is yet another clear demonstration that cooperation based on trust, shared values and sustainable development objectives always delivers tangible results", - added the Prime Minister.

He highlighted that the large-scale project is being implemented by the Georgian company PACE Group, demonstrating the capacity of domestic businesses to partner with international institutions on projects of strategic importance for Georgia`s economic future.

Irakli Kobakhidze also emphasized Georgia’s growing role in the Middle Corridor: "Georgia is no longer merely a geographical bridge-we have become a powerful economic and logistics hub that creates added value for international trade. During the first five months of this year, cargo throughput at Georgia`s ports increased by 21 percent, with growth recorded across all major cargo categories. At the new Poti Sea Port alone, cargo volumes have increased by 78 percent over the past three years. These figures clearly demonstrate the rapidly growing demand for our transport corridor. This initiative marks yet another major step toward strengthening Georgia`s transit potential and advancing the country's economic development".

Speeches at the ceremony were also delivered by Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvrivishvili, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Alan Purcell, Managing Director of the USA International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Kenneth Angel and President of PACE International Ioseb Dolidze.

A symbolic time capsule was placed in the foundation to mark the launch of construction of the new berth.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Government and Parliament of Georgia, as well as representatives of local authorities.