The President of Georgia visited Zugdidi today and addressed the population gathered near the Dadiani Palace. The President familiarized the locals with the initiative which has already begun to be implemented. According to Mikheil Saakashvili, a new city – Lazika will be founded between Anaklia and Kulevi. According to the plan, Lazika will become the main trade, economic, and business center of Western Georgia and the main center of Georgia in terms of the Black Sea area. As the President said, Lazika will be the second largest city after Tbilisi in 10 years time, with a minimum of half a million residents. The Head of State noted that the negotiations regarding the beginning this project have already started with large investment groups in Europe and Asia. Mikheil Saakashvili called for every Georgian, including the ones living abroad and refugees from Abkhazia, to participate in the construction of the new city. He also noted that the construction work will begin next year and several thousand workers will be employed. Very soon the competition for the architects of Lazika will take place worldwide.

During his speech, the President also spoke about large scale reconstruction of Zugdidi and familiarized the population with the details of the project. Mikheil Saakashvili stated that the rehabilitation work will begin tomorrow and the project envisions turning Zugdidi into the main center of Samegrelo. According to the President, Zugdidi will become a very important, comfortable city for residents and tourists. The infrastructure is developing fast in Mestia and on the Black Sea coast and the roads leading to these resorts pass through this city.

Mikheil Saakashvili also spoke about developing Poti, Batumi and Svaneti. According to him, overcoming poverty and returning the occupied territories is possible through developing the country. He mentioned that Georgia needs a jump start, which will materialize in the conditions of a well assessed rebuilding process.

The President of Georgia also viewed the locations where the new city Lazika will be built, along with the Governor of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, from a helicopter. While talking with Zaza Gorozia and Guram Misabishvili, Mikheil Saakashvili emphasized the importance of the city and the projects that are going to be implemented in Lazika.