The completion of the motorway construction project on the Rikoti Pass represents a historic milestone for Georgia, placing the country at the centre of international trade and contributing significantly to economic and commercial development both domestically and internationally, said Lesley Bearman Lahm, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Georgia Resident Mission.

Speaking at the ceremony marking the completion of the Rikoti road project, she described the initiative as the result of a bold and far-sighted vision, supported by carefully planned and well-coordinated efforts.

According to Lahm, the project marks Georgia’s transition into a new phase of development, reflecting the country’s ambition to become a hub within a more developed and prosperous region. She noted that this achievement would not have been possible without collective efforts and the support of international partners, including the World Bank and the European Investment Bank, which backed the Government of Georgia.

She congratulated both local and international partners on what she described as exemplary collaboration and coordination, emphasizing its importance for Georgia’s development and future objectives.

Lahm also highlighted ADB’s long-term commitment to Georgia, noting that the bank has invested more than five billion dollars in the country and continues to work closely with the Georgian government across public and private sectors, including in policy reforms, digitalisation, and economic development.