PM Speaks of Privatization of Manganese Mining Company
Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania said on December 23 that several companies have already made a privatization bid for the Vartsikhe hydro power plant and Chiaturmanganumi, a manganese mining enterprise.
The deadline for applying to privatize these facilities is January 10. ?On January 11 we will publicly open the envelopes with applicants? proposals and get acquainted with what they are offering us,? Zurab Zhvania said at a news briefing on December 23.
He said an Austrian company has already expressed its willingness to purchase Chiaturmanganumi and the Vartsikhe hydro power plant for USD 100 million.
According to Zhvania, Ukrainian and Kazakh companies have also expressed their interest in purchasing Chiaturmanganumi and the Vartsikhe hydro power plan. Representatives from both the Ukrainian and Kazakh companies held talks with the Georgian authorities on December 22, Zhvania added. However he did not reveal the names of these companies.
?We have created real conditions for competition, which works in favor of Georgia,? the Georgian Prime Minister said.
He said a final decision will be made in favor of the company which pays the highest price and presents the best investment plan and development concept.
