President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Masato Kanda reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting Georgia’s ambition to become a key regional hub connecting Asia and Europe, following a meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.
Speaking after the meeting, Kanda described the discussion as productive and focused on strengthening cooperation between the ADB and Georgia.
“I had a very productive meeting with the Prime Minister of Georgia regarding the partnership between the Asian Development Bank and Georgia,” Kanda said, noting that improving the quality of life for citizens and supporting economic growth remain among the bank’s main priorities.
Kanda congratulated the Georgian government on the country’s strong macroeconomic stability and highlighted the successful completion of the Rikoti section of the East–West highway as a major infrastructure achievement that strengthens regional connectivity.
He also emphasized ADB’s continued engagement in several strategic sectors, including Georgia’s participation in the Middle Corridor transport route, the modernization of airports, and the development of the tourism industry.
“We are committed to continuing our support for Georgia’s aspiration to become a regional gateway linking Asia and Europe through the development of vital infrastructure and targeted private sector investments,” Kanda said.
Georgian government administration reported that the meeting also underlined the long-standing partnership between Georgia and the ADB, which has become one of the country’s most reliable development partners.
The parties discussed the bank’s investment portfolio in Georgia, which exceeds 5 billion USD across public and private sector projects. These investments support initiatives in transport connectivity, tourism infrastructure, water supply systems, energy development, as well as regional and municipal programs aimed at strengthening local economies.
Officials also noted that the opening of the new resident office of the Asian Development Bank in Tbilisi reflects the growing depth of cooperation between the international financial institution and Georgia.
