Zurab Pataradze Presents Annual Government Activity Report to the Supreme Council of Ajara

Zurab Pataradze, Chairman of the Government of Ajara, presented the annual government activity report to the region's Supreme Council.

In his address, the Chairman highlighted both planned and ongoing large-scale projects, emphasizing that the primary mission of the Ajara government is to ensure public welfare and improve living standards. He noted that collective effort remains vital for the region's development.

The Chairman expressed his gratitude to Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling 'Georgian Dream' party, as well as the central government, for their unwavering support and commitment to the region's prosperity.

“We have ambitious plans, and I am confident that through our joint efforts, we will achieve significant results," Pataradze stated. "We will personally assess the situation on the ground across all six municipalities to ensure our goals are fully met. Today’s report goes beyond mere numbers, it is backed by completed work. Our goal is to do everything possible for the well-being of our citizens and to provide them with a better, more dignified quality of life.

I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank the ruling party and its founder, Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili, a distinguished individual who has contributed immensely to our country's success and development. I also extend my gratitude to the Prime Minister of Georgia and the Chairman of the Parliament for their continued support of Ajara’s prosperity.”

According to the Chairman, Ajara is maintaining robust economic momentum. Current forecasts project consistent double-digit growth for the region between 2026 and 2029, with the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expected to grow by an average of 12% annually. Pataradze also highlighted a surge in investments, noting that foreign direct investment (FDI) in the region reached $1.3 billion over the past decade. Concurrently, development has begun on the Batumi Industrial Zone, which is projected to attract $75 million in private investment and create 1,500 new jobs.

Special emphasis was placed on infrastructure projects underway in both Batumi and neighboring municipalities. The final section of the Khulo-Zarzma road is nearing completion, and road rehabilitation and construction are planned across 46 routes. Additionally, the Ajara highlands gasification project is progressing steadily, which will grant 27,100 households access to natural gas.

The Chairman also pointed to the positive dynamics of the tourism sector, noting that the region welcomed 4.8 million tourists in 2025, with international travel revenue exceeding $1.8 billion. International flights have increased, alongside a rise in visits to mountainous Ajara.

In healthcare, more than 30,000 citizens benefited from ministry programs in just the first five months of 2026. Major infrastructure upgrades are also underway, including the expansion of the Republican Hospital and the construction of the No. 1 Polyclinic and an emergency medical services center.

The Chairman also highlighted the 'Dream City' project and the 'Batumi Without Dilapidated Houses' initiative, which will significantly improve living conditions for hundreds of families.

Education and sports also remain top priorities: the construction of 30 new schools and the rehabilitation of 70 others are slated for 2026–2028, while over 200 million GEL will be allocated to sports infrastructure.

Furthermore, the government will continue restoring historic and cultural heritage sites and supporting local farmers in agriculture.

In closing, the Chairman reaffirmed that the Government of Ajara will continue to implement targeted projects that address public needs, stimulate economic growth, and boost the region's overall competitiveness.