Business news

MINSK, 31 August (BelTA) – As of 1 August 2018, Belarus’ external debt totaled $16.5 billion, down by $179 million or 1.1% from the beginning of the year (taking into account differences in currency exchange rates), BelTA learned from the country’s Finance Ministry.

In January-July 2018, 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 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 1 August 2018, Belarus' government debt totaled Br42.1 billion, down by Br23.8 million or 0.1% from 1 January 2018.

The internal government debt amounted to Br9.2 billion as of 1 August. 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 2018, 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).