ADB Reaffirms $6 Billion Partnership With Georgia to Boost Connectivity

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has reaffirmed its strong commitment to Georgia's economic development following a high-level meeting between ADB President Masato Kanda and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, highlighting nearly $6 billion in financial support since the country joined the bank in 2007.

The discussions focused on strengthening Georgia's role as a regional transit hub connecting Asia and Europe, while expanding infrastructure, private sector investment and institutional development.

"ADB is committed to supporting Georgia's economic development and improving the quality of life for all Georgian people," said Masato Kanda, President of the Asian Development Bank.

"Our partnership is strong, and we are committed to scaling for impact. From critical infrastructure to pioneering private sector investments, we will continue to support Georgia's ambition to become a regional gateway linking Asia to Europe," he added.

Nearly $6 Billion in Development Support

Since becoming an ADB member in 2007, Georgia has received nearly $6 billion in loans, grants and technical assistance from the multilateral development bank.

More than $1 billion of this financing has been directed toward private sector investments, supporting business growth, financial markets and economic diversification.

Georgia has emerged as one of the ADB's most active private sector markets, ranking eighth in the bank's global private sector portfolio.

Strengthening the Middle Corridor

A major focus of the meeting was strengthening regional connectivity, particularly Georgia's role in the Middle Corridor, a key trade route linking Asia and Europe through the Caucasus.

ADB-supported infrastructure projects are designed not only to improve domestic transport but also to enhance regional trade and logistics networks.

Among the projects highlighted was the recently completed Rikoti section of the East–West Highway, a critical transport corridor that connects eastern and western Georgia and forms part of a wider regional trade route.

Improving transport infrastructure along this corridor is expected to boost trade efficiency, tourism and regional economic integration.

Urban Development and Tourism Growth

ADB's partnership with Georgia also includes investments in integrated and resilient urban infrastructure, aimed at improving public services and enhancing the country's tourism potential.

These initiatives are designed to expand economic opportunities, strengthen municipal infrastructure and improve the quality of life for communities across the country.

Expanding Cooperation With the Finance Ministry

During his visit, Kanda also met with Georgia's Minister of Finance and ADB Governor Lasha Khutsishvili to discuss the expansion of ADB operations in the country.

The discussions covered new initiatives focused on institutional capacity building, policy reforms and innovative financing mechanisms aimed at supporting sustainable economic growth.

Expanded ADB Presence in Tbilisi

As part of the visit, Kanda and Georgian officials will inaugurate the newly expanded premises of the ADB Georgia Resident Mission in Tbilisi.

The expanded office will support the bank's growing portfolio in the country and strengthen cooperation with government institutions, the private sector and development partners.

The move reflects ADB's long-term commitment to supporting Georgia's economic transformation and its strategic role as a regional gateway connecting Europe and Asia.