Business news

MINSK, 28 April (BelTA) – As of 1 April 2018, Belarus’ external debt totaled $16.4 billion, down by $304.7 million or 1.8% from the beginning of the year (taking into account differences in currency exchange rates), BelTA learned from the Belarusian Finance Ministry.

In January-March 2018, external state borrowings totaled $871.5 billion, including $600 million in eurobonds, $222.3 million borrowed from the Russian government and banks, $33.5 million from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), $14.2 million from Chinese banks, and $1.5 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB).

In Q1 2018, Belarus spent $1.189 billion to repay the external debt, including $800 million in eurobonds, $179.3 million paid to Chinese banks, $107.1 million to the Russian government, $88.3 million to the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development, $13.3 million to the IBRD, $0.7 million to the U.S., and $0.4 million to the EBRD and the NIB.

As of 1 April 2018, Belarus’ foreign debt totaled Br9.3 billion, down by Br 134.2 million or 2% from 1 January 2018.

The internal state debt amounted to Br9.3 billion as of 1 April. Taking into account differences in currency exchange rates, the internal state debt grew by Br134.2 million or 1.5% from the beginning of the year.

In January-March 2018, the Belarusian government sold $134 million worth of domestic government bonds nominated in foreign currencies to corporations and individuals and redeemed $68.9 million worth of domestic government bonds nominated in foreign currencies and Belarusian rubles from individuals.