Rolande Pryce, the World Bank Regional Director for the South Caucasus, on Saturday hailed the “exceptional leadership” of the Georgian Government and “strong partnership” with other international financial institutions in the development of the East-West highway.

At the opening of a 27-kilometre, four-lane section of Rikoti Pass, a major crossing between eastern and western parts of Georgia, Pryce highlighted the “national, regional and international importance” of the highway.

The Regional Director also emphasised that the highway’s development, which includes the reduction of travel distance and improvement of safety standards, would have “a positive impact” on Georgia’s business and tourism, contributing to the economic growth of the country.

The World Bank is especially proud to be the first international financial institution to support this project with $2.3 billion from the American flagship project”, Pryce said.

She stressed the Bank continued the partnership with the Georgian Government to implement “transformational projects” that would contribute to the “ambitious vision” of the Georgian people.