Business news

MINSK, 31 May (BelTA) – As of 1 May 2018 Belarus’ external state debt totaled $16.4 billion, down by $315.6 million or 1.9% from the beginning of the year (taking into account differences in currency exchange rates), BelTA learned from the Belarusian Finance Ministry.

In January-April 2018 the Belarusian government borrowed $990.5 million abroad, including $600 million via eurobonds, $313.6 million from the Russian government and banks, $42.3 million from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), $33.1 million from Chinese banks, and $1.5 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB).

In January-April 2018 Belarus spent $1,235.1 million to repay the external state debt, including $800 million paid on eurobonds, $179.3 million to Chinese banks, $137.1 million to the Russian government, $88.3 million to the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development (EFSD), $29.3 million to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, $0.7 million to the USA, and $0.4 million to the EBRD and NIB.

As of 1 May 2018, Belarus’ state debt totaled Br42.3 billion, up by Br87.3 million or 0.2% from 1 January 2018.

The internal state debt amounted to Br9.4 billion as of 1 May. Taking into account differences in currency exchange rates, the internal state debt increased by Br261.8 million or 2.9% from the beginning of the year.

In January-April 2018 the Belarusian government sold $186.7 million worth of domestic government bonds nominated in foreign currencies to individuals and corporations and redeemed $126.9 million and Br23.1 million worth of government bonds nominated in foreign currencies and Belarusian rubles from corporations and individuals.