Saakashvili Hails Free Economic Zone in Poti
President Saakashvili said on April 15 his “major vision is to turn Georgia into the Dubai and Singapore of this region.”
Saakashvili was speaking in the Georgian Black Sea port of Poti where he inaugurated the launch of the development of the free industrial zone.
Georgia has sold a 51% stake of Poti port to the Investment Authority of the UAE’s Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) emirate, which has committed to develop a free economic zone on 300 hectares of land in Poti and in addition to built a new port terminal on a 100 hectare site.
Speaking at the ceremony in Poti, also attended by PM Lado Gurgenidze, Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze and other officials, Saakashvili said that the launch of the free economic zone marked “the launch of a new golden age for Georgia.”
“The new port and free industrial zone will result in a new economic miracle,” he said. “I am not a populist to lie; this miracle will not happen in six months, but it will definitely happen here and it will happen much sooner than anyone can imagine.”
“This is the project of my life. This is a long-term project; it is longer than my five-year presidential term. Although it will bring early results even in three months and mid-term results in the next few years, but final results of the project with real revival and 100-storey skyscrapers here will need more than five years, it will need dozens of years.”
In his speech, which was aired live on Georgian TV stations, Saakashvili acknowledged once again that there were “many people who have lost hope, there are many unemployed.”
“We are starting something, which will change the Georgian economic reality, everyday reality for millions of our families,” Saakashvili said. “And I want to stress – new jobs will be created not for foreigners, but for Georgian citizens. I want to stress – my firm position is that Georgian citizens – although foreigners should also benefit – should be the key target; they will benefit most of all by Georgia’s economic development. Georgians should not lose their jobs in Poti in favor of foreigners.”
