Alkis Vryenios Drakinos, Regional Head of the Caucasus for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development [EBRD], said that over EUR300 million in support was planned for Georgia’s private sector this year.

"We remain strongly committed to supporting Georgia`s private sector and the country`s overall development. For example, this year we plan to invest over €300 million across various sectors in Georgia - in banks, as well as in small and medium-sized enterprises. So we are quite active.

At this stage, we are focusing on the development and monitoring of existing projects. We have priorities, and accordingly, we are assessing where and what we should undertake. We will continue studying and developing projects of regional importance.

It is a great honour and privilege for me to participate in today’s Black Sea Annual Meeting dedicated to the Middle Corridor.

The Middle Corridor is a highly important concept and initiative, and Georgia lies at its centre.

The entire Caucasus must play a crucial role in connecting Asia and Europe, and the EBRD is very interested in being involved in all processes - in every discussion and in the project research phase - to evaluate how we can turn the Middle Corridor into a real, viable route linking Europe and Asia.

We are already actively working in all countries that form part of the Middle Corridor, from Central Asia through the Caucasus. Speaking of Georgia, we have already invested in railway and road projects", - said Alkis Vryenios Drakinos.