Georgia currently owes $17.2 billion in external debt, and this amount is decreasing, says the National Bank of Georgia (NBG).
During the third quarter (Q3) of 2018, the gross external debt of Georgia decreased by $195.1 million. Out of that a $145.8 million decrease was due to exchange rate changes, transactions led to $65.5 million decrease and price changes to $10.9 million decrease. At the same time other changes led to 27.0 million USD increase of the external debt.
As for Georgia’s international investment position (IIP), the IPP amounted to -$23.1 billion for September 30, 2018. Net IIP improved by $551.1 million compared to the previous quarter.
An IIP is a financial statement that explains the value and composition of a country’s external financial assets and liabilities. A positive IIP value indicates a nation is a creditor nation, while a negative value indicates it is a debtor nation, as is the case for Georgia.
Meanwhile other data from the NBG on the country’s balance of payment indicated how much money entered and left the country. The NBG said Georgia’s current account surplus amounted to $11.9 million in the third quarter of 2018. The trade of goods and income account made negative contribution into current account, while services and current transfers - positive.