As of August 1 Belarus’ external debt totaled $16.5 billion, down by $179 million or by 1.1% from the beginning of the year (taking into account differences in currency exchange rates), the Finance Ministry reported.
In January-July external state borrowings totaled $1,506 billion, including $600 million in eurobonds, $515.1 million borrowed from the Russian government and banks, $302.5 million from Chinese banks, $86 million from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), and $3.3 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB).
Since the beginning of the year, Belarus has spent $1,592 billion to repay the external debt, including $800 million in eurobonds, $337.7 million paid to Chinese banks, $244.3 million to the Russian government, $176.6 million to the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development, $32.5 million to the IBRD, $0.7 million to the United States, and $0.4 million to the EBRD and the NIB.
As of August 1 Belarus’ government debt totaled Br42.1 billion, down by Br23.8 million or by 0.1% from January 1. The internal government debt amounted to Br9.2 billion. Taking into account differences in currency exchange rates, the internal government debt rose by Br16.5 million or 0.2% from the beginning of the year.
In January-July the Belarusian government sold $264.9 million worth of domestic government bonds nominated in foreign currencies to corporations and individuals and redeemed domestic government bonds nominated in foreign currencies and Belarusian rubles for corporations ($240.3 million) and individuals (Br23.1 million). (BelTA/Business World Magazine)