Lebanese race to gold amid local, global economic uncertainty

STORY: Lebanese race to gold amid local, global economic uncertainty DATELINE: July 22, 2023 LENGTH: 00:04:03 LOCATION: Beirut CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. Ahmad al Hajari, a gold trader, speaking to a client 2. various of gold jewelry 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): AHMAD AL HAJARI, Lebanese gold trader 4. various of gold ounces and coins 5. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): AHMAD AL HAJARI, Lebanese gold trader 6. various of the exterior of the gold store 7. SOUNDBITE 3 (Arabic): HUSSEIN NAWWARA, Lebanese citizen in Beirut 8. various of gold pieces STORYLINE: Lebanon has been facing an unprecedented financial crisis amid a shortage of foreign currency reserves, causing the loss of billions of dollars in deposits. The currency collapse encouraged the Lebanese to opt for a safe investment haven for their money, namely gold. Lebanese citizens capable of saving a portion of their monthly salaries believe that gold can offer them a haven for their savings which were previously lost in Lebanese banks. Ahmad al-Hajari, a gold