As part of long term economic planning in Adjara Free Economic Zone (FEZ) is planned for several piers in the Port and within about 100 acres along the mouth of the Chorokhi River also near the capital. It is expected that the Zone will be operational in the near future.

A FEZ has the advantages of promoting trade and agriculture, as well as the transportation industries and other branches of the economy. It will produce many jobs and improve social and economic conditions for a large segment of the population.

Historically free economic zones have attracted foreign investment capital and served to improve trade and market relations among old partners and generated new business relationships. Economists see a free economic zone as a bridge among nations, as a way of enhancing inter-governmental links not only for large countries but small and medium size economies as well. Among the countries which have benefited significantly from a free economic zone are Singapore, which is 100 times smaller than Georgia and Taiwan, only half the size of Georgia. President Abashidze has been a proponent of the FEZ concept for a number of years and is committed to its rapid implementation.

The superb geopolitical location of Georgia, with its centrality in the Eurasian Corridor along the Old Silk Route is one the main foundations for creation of the FEZ. A high level of infrastructure development in Adjara is another principal basis for setting up the Zone. Along with new industries, increased foreign investment and enhanced foreign economic relations will come modern facilities and the latest technologies.

An historical footnote is particularly relevant when discussing the FEZ concept, because in 1878 Batumi was declared a “porto-franco” or free-zone, an economic attraction which lasted for seven years, during which time huge progress was made in the development of the Port of Batumi. Thousands of ships from dozens of foreign entities came to the Port, along with hundreds of new industries, shops, banks and consumer service firms, such as hotels, restaurants and the like.

A modern free economic zone will create exponential benefits for the Region and will be a centerpiece of advanced business development. Discussions are continuing between the Autonomous Region and the national government to establish a lasting basis for the new FEZ.