The volume of lending by commercial banks (including loans to non-residents) increased by 1.1 billion GEL (20.8 percent), during the past year, and reached 6.3 billion GEL by January 1, 2011. The volume of loans provided in the national currency increased by 427.5 million GEL (35.7 percent), while the volume of loans in foreign currency increased by 647.7 million GEL (16.3 percent).

Out of the total volume of lending to legal entities, the biggest share falls on trade – 51.7 percent. During the past year, loans provided for trade increased by 36.8 percent or 502.6 million GEL and reached 1.9 billion GEL by January 1, 2011.

Share of loans provided to the industrial sector constituted 21.5 percent of total loans to legal entities and amounted to 776.2 million GEL by January 1, 2011 (14.8 percent or 101.1 million GEL increased compared to the January 1, 2010). 10.7 percent fall on construction, amounting to 384.5 million GEL (12.7 percent or 43.4 million GEL increased, respectively). Therefore, 83.9 percent of the total volume of lending to the legal entities falls only on three sectors – industry, construction and trade (instead 80 percent by January 1, 2010).

The volume of lending to resident individuals increased by 16.4 percent or 329.9 million GEL, over the previous year, and exceeded 2.3 billion GEL by January 1, 2011.

Current statistical information is published on the statistics page of the NBG’s website: www.nbg.ge