BAKU, Azerbaijan, Sept. 26
By Tamilla Mammadova – Trend:
When the Georgian lari becomes cheaper, everything else becomes more expensive, but when it comes to food, for obvious reasons, everything is perceived much more acutely, as this is a more sensitive topic, said the head of the Georgia Importers Association Iva Chkonia, Trend reports via Georgian media.
According to him, whenever the rate of the lari falls more or less perceptibly, prices immediately begin to rise.
"This is disadvantageous for importers, as sales are reduced due to the rise in prices, and companies find themselves in a difficult situation - in particular, in terms of paying interest on loans.
“Official statistics show that inflation in Georgia is kept at the level of 5-7 percent. Recently, we have seen a continuous decline in the lari exchange rate, which no one can stop. Accordingly, importers have a negative attitude - whoever will be able to sell products at increased prices will continue to work, those who cannot will leave the market, ”he said.
According to Chkonia, prices will rise in October, and if some specific goods do not rise in price, this will mean that the company leaves the market and is in a hurry to sell stocks.
“In general, the country is in a very difficult situation - all business is at a loss, especially those companies that cooperate with hotels and restaurants. The losses are colossal. Moreover, most of them have bank obligations that must be paid. Importers, distributors, manufacturers, retailers are all a single chain, and we all face problems," said Chkonia.
---
Follow the author on Twitter: @Mila61979356