Business news

Belarus' external state debt down 2.3% to $16.5bn

MINSK, 30 August (BelTA) – As of 1 August 2019 Belarus' external state debt totaled $16.5 billion, down by $0.4 billion or 2.3% from the beginning of 2019 (taking into account differences in currency exchange rates), BelTA learned from the Belarusian Finance Ministry.

In January-July 2019 the Belarusian government borrowed $559.8 million abroad, including $448 million from the Russian government and banks, $57.9 million from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), $33.4 million from the Export-Import Bank of China, and $20.5 million the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB).

In January-July 2019 Belarus spent $1,029.4 million to repay the external state debt, including $403.9 million paid to the Russian government, $410.9 million to Chinese banks, $176.5 million to the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development and $36.6 million to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, $0.8 million to the EBRD and NIB, and $0.7 million to the U.S. Commodity Credit Corporation.

As of 1 August 2019, Belarus' state debt totaled Br42.7 billion, down Br2.6 billion or 5.8% from the beginning of the year.

The internal state debt amounted to Br9.2 billion as of 1 August. Taking into account differences in currency exchange rates, the internal state debt rose by Br0.3 billion or 3% from the beginning of the year.

In January-July 2019 the Belarusian government sold $651.2 million worth of domestic government bonds nominated in foreign currencies to individuals and corporations and redeemed $160.3 million and Br227.2 million worth of government bonds nominated in foreign and national currencies from corporations and individuals.

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