On March 30, 2011, the Prime Minister of Georgia, Nika Gilauri, attended the ceremony dedicated to the completion of the first five-year program (Compact) signed between the governments of Georgia and the US at the Tbilisi Marriott hotel. After the ceremony, the Prime Minister declared to media representatives: "five years ago many people could not believe that this project might be implemented. Five years ago, there were many debates about how to carry out the program or which projects to submit to the US Government in order to receive funds from the Millennium Challenge Corporation."
"Very complex projects have been submitted: Samtskhe-Javakheti highway rehabilitation, gas main rehabilitation, agriculture development and other projects supporting the private sector.
At first, $295 million was allocated. However, after the Russian aggression, $100 million was added to the amount. In sum, $395 million was allocated for Georgia. Georgia has utilized the funds and implemented all projects agreed between Georgia and the US funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation.
For the Millennium Challenge Corporation, Georgia is one of those exceptions who were the first countries to accomplish all projects. It was the most difficult work, although, carried out quite successfully by both the Millennium Challenge Corporation and its Georgia office.
I would like to thank everyone who worked on these projects. Thousands of new jobs were created. The main goal of our government is to create new jobs.
As for the future, we have guarantee that the Millennium Challenge Corporation will allocate the second part of the sum for Georgia. At present, we cooperate with the Millennium Challenge Corporation and in the nearest 3 or 4 months we will know exactly which projects will be funded. We have submitted the following projects: American University and Goderdzi Highway (the highway connecting Samtskhe-Javakheti with Batumi)," declared Nika Gilauri.
Prime Minister's Press Service