As of August 1, Belarus’ external state debt totaled $13.3 billion, up by $847 million or by 6.8% since the beginning of the year (taking into account differences in currency exchange rates), representatives of the Belarusian Finance Ministry said.
In January-July external state borrowings totaled $1.3 billion, including $800 million borrowed from the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development (EFSD), $276.9 million from the Russian government and banks, $179.5 million from Chinese banks, $46.6 million from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and $0.4 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Since the beginning of the year Belarus has spent $525.8 million to repay the external state debt, including $176.6 million paid to the EFSD, $162.5 million to the Russian government, $165.6 million to Chinese banks, $20.4 million to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and $0.7 million to the USA.
The internal state debt amounted to Br9.4 billion as of August 1. Taking into account differences in currency exchange rates, the internal state debt decreased by Br0.4 billion or 3.8% since the beginning of the year.
In January-July the Belarus government sold $670.1 million and Br493.1 million worth of domestic government bonds nominated in foreign currencies and Belarusian rubles to corporations and individuals. The government redeemed $1.1 billion and Br596.2 million worth of government bonds from individuals and corporations.
As of August 1, Belarus’ state debt stood at Br35.9 billion, up by Br3 billion or by 9.3% since the beginning of the year. (BelTA/Business World Magazine)