As of 19:00 on 8 August 2008, the Government of Georgia reports no unusual economic activity in the country today, despite the hostilities in South Ossetia, Georgia.
- The TICEX trading volume of the Lari/US Dollar currency pair (the most liquid currency pair) today was US$12.9 million (compared to the average daily trading volume of US$5.2 million in July 2008 or US$9.3 million year to date). The GEL/US$ exchange rate on the TICEX remained unchanged today at 1.4160.
- No unusual activity has been reported today by the Georgian banks. No customer queues were reported in any branches of Georgian banks. The aggregate liquidity of the banking sector is high, reports the National bank of Georgia - the balances on correspondent accounts of the banking sector with the National bank of Georgia at this moment is GEL145 million, practically unchanged comparing to the average balance year to date.
- A regular trading session at the Georgian Stock Exchange was held today. Six Blue Chips were traded with a trading volume 12% higher than the average daily trading volume in July 2008. The stock market index fell by 12.1% to 459.71.
- The foreign currency reserves of the National Bank of Georgia at the close of business today stood at US$1,441 million (practically unchanged from US$1,465 million as of 31 July 2008), while the Future Generations Fund and Stable Development Fund hold an additional US$370 million.
- No interruptions in electricity or natural gas supply to consumers or businesses have been reported anywhere in Georgia.
- No interruptions have been reported in the railway and airline traffic and the handling of incoming and outgoing vessels in the Georgian ports.
- No price hikes or bulk buying of consumer staples or gasoline have been reported today anywhere in Georgia.
- The Customs and Revenue services of the Ministry of Finance operated today under normal conditions.
- Prime Minister has held throughout the day calls with investors and rating agencies and remains in touch with the investor community.
- We will keep updating the investor community on the state of the Georgian economy regularly for the duration of the events currently unfolding in South Ossetia, Georgia.
Press center of the Chancellery of the Government of Georgia