As of July 1, Belarus’ external state debt totaled $13.1 billion, up by $637.1 million, or 5.1% since the beginning of the year (taking into account differences in currency exchange rates), representatives of the Belarusian Finance Ministry said.
In January-June external state borrowings totaled $943.8 million, including $500 million borrowed from the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development (EFSD), $239.2 million from the Russian government and banks, $162.6 million from Chinese banks, $41.6 million from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and $0.4 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Since the beginning of the year, Belarus has spent $415.3 million to repay the external state debt, including $176.6 million paid to the EFSD, $150 million to the Russian government, $67.6 million to Chinese banks, $20.4 million to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and $0.7 million to the United States.
The internal state debt amounted to Br96.7 trillion (before the redenomination) as of July 1. Taking into account differences in currency exchange rates, the internal state debt decreased by Br0.7 trillion or by 0.7% since the beginning of the year. In January-June, the Belarus government sold $663.9 million and Br4.9 trillion worth of domestic government bonds nominated in foreign currencies and Belarusian rubles to corporations and individuals. The government redeemed $1.1 billion and Br4.7 trillion worth of government bonds from individuals and corporations. As of July 1, Belarus’ state debt stood at Br359.1 trillion, up by Br30.6 trillion or by 9.3% since the beginning of the year. (BelTA/Business World Magazine)