Business news

MINSK, 30 March (BelTA) – As of 1 March 2018, Belarus’ external debt totaled $16.4 billion, down by $278.8 million or 1.7% from the beginning of the year (taking into account differences in currency exchange rates), BelTA learned from the Belarusian Finance Ministry.

In January-February 2018, external state borrowings totaled $742.8 billion, including $600 million in eurobonds, $104.6 million borrowed from the Russian government, $23.8 million from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), $14.1 million from Chinese banks, and $0.3 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

In January-Ferbuary, Belarus spent $1.648 billion to repay the external debt, including $800 million in eurobonds, $175.3 million paid to Chinese banks, $82.2 million to the Russian government, and $7.3 million to the IBRD.

As of 1 March 2018, Belarus’ foreign debt totaled Br41.4 billion, down by Br 791.5 million or 1.9% from 1 January 2018.

The internal state debt amounted to Br9.2 billion as of 1 March. Taking into account differences in currency exchange rates, the internal state debt grew by Br70.9 million or 0.8% from the beginning of the year.

In January-February 2018, the Belarusian government sold $63.3 million worth of domestic government bonds nominated in foreign currencies to corporations and individuals and redeemed $51.8 million worth of domestic government bonds nominated in foreign currencies and Belarusian rubles from individuals.