Georgia, Tbilisi, 29 June / Trend N.Kirtzkhalia /
The deficit of the balance of payments has been reducing since the second half of 2012.
In the first quarter of 2013, the deficit of the current account deficit amounted to $1.984 billion, which is 50 percent less compared with the same period last year.
According to the National Bank of Georgia, merchandise exports increased by $31.5 million compared with the first quarter last year, while imports decreased by $109.4 million, resulting in a decrease in the balance of trade deficit to $ 741.6 million. This is 16 percent less than in the first quarter of 2012.
The balance of services has traditionally been low, amounting to $256.1 million. Exports of services amounted to $581.5 million, imports - $325.4 million, which is 10.3 percent more than in the first quarter of 2012.
Of trade in services, tourist services had the highest positive balance ($244.8 million), which is 30.7 percent more than in the first quarter of last year.
The balance of income in the first quarter of 2013 amounted to $67.2 million. Credit revenues stood at $181.1 million, or 14.7 percent less than in the first quarter of 2012. Debit income amounted to $248.2 million, or 7.3 percent less compared to the same period in 2012.
Net capital transfers in the first quarter of 2013 amounted to $20.8 million, while net foreign direct investment - $210.9 million. However, foreign direct investment amounted to $226.2 million, or 15.9 percent less than in the first quarter of 2012.