Government Session of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara

Zurab Pataradze, Chairman of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara, chaired a government session.

The Chairman reviewed the region’s key ongoing projects and emphasized that, through joint efforts, the Government will continue implementing initiatives that ensure the region’s sustainable development and improve the well-being of its residents.

According to Zurab Pataradze, tourism remains one of the main drivers of Ajara’s economy. Creating new tourism products, improving services, and promoting the region as a four-season destination remain among the Government’s key priorities. Development of tourism infrastructure is actively underway, including the expansion of Batumi International Airport, which will increase passenger capacity and further enhance service quality.

Economic growth and investment remain essential to the region’s rapid development. As the Chairman noted, Ajara’s budget now exceeds one billion GEL. Large-scale investment projects are underway across the region, further strengthening Ajara’s position as an attractive investment destination.

Road infrastructure projects are currently underway in 20 locations across the region, covering a total of 50 kilometers. As part of these large-scale initiatives, construction of a 7.5-kilometer tunnel is planned along the Batumi-Sarpi road section. Another flagship project is the rehabilitation of the Khulo-Zarzma road, where most of the 47-kilometer route has already been completed, while the remaining 3-kilometer section is expected to be finished in the near future.

Alongside road infrastructure projects, gasification and water supply projects are progressing actively in the highlands of Ajara. A significant part of the gasification program has already been completed, and around 30,000 families will gain access to the natural gas network. In parallel, ongoing water supply projects in 39 villages will ensure uninterrupted water supply for approximately 40,000 households.

Development works at the Batumi and Kobuleti Boulevards are also underway. A large-scale renovation of both the Old and New Boulevards is planned in Batumi, while a 600-meter section of the Kobuleti Boulevard has already been completed, with its extension toward the pine forest scheduled as the next phase.

Supporting young people remains one of the Government’s key priorities. Construction of the Olympic-standard swimming pool in Batumi has been completed, while new sports complexes are planned in the municipalities of Keda, Khelvachauri, and Kobuleti.

The Chairman also spoke about healthcare and social care programs, noting that the Ministry of Health’s budget currently stands at 87 million GEL and will increase to 96 million GEL next year. More than 30,000 beneficiaries have already received support through the Government’s programs. In addition, three new medical facilities have recently been added to the region’s healthcare infrastructure.

In the field of social infrastructure, the “Batumi without Dilapidated Houses” program will continue. Construction of social housing is underway in Kobuleti and Khelvachauri, while preparations are in progress to launch the next phase of the “Dream City” project.

Student support programs and the development of modern educational infrastructure remain among the Government’s priorities. Education continues to be one of the key sectors for regional development. Restoration of cultural heritage sites is also actively underway across the region, including Khinotsminda Church, Batumi Cathedral, the historic mosques of Keda, and the Lao Jin Jao Museum in Chakvi.

Programs supporting farmers and family farms continue to expand, while assistance for local production and small businesses remains a key component of the Government’s economic policy.

Concluding the session, Zurab Pataradze noted that the projects discussed are of strategic importance for the region’s future development and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to keeping the public regularly informed about their progress and results.