MINSK, 31 March (BelTA) – As of 1 March 2020, Belarus' external state debt totaled $16.9 billion, down by $0.3 billion or 1.6% from the beginning of 2020 (taking into account differences in currency exchange rates), BelTA learned from the Belarusian Finance Ministry.
In January-February 2020, the Belarusian government borrowed $179.5 million abroad, including $157.2 million from the Russian government and banks, $12.8 million from the Export–Import Bank of China, $5.4 million from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), and $4.1 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB).
In January-February 2020, Belarus spent $376.2 million to repay the external state debt, including $196.7 million to the Russian government, $167.7 million to Chinese banks, and $11.8 million to the IBRD.
As of 1 March 2020, Belarus' state debt totaled Br46.8 billion, up Br2 billion or 4.5% from the beginning of the year.
The internal state debt amounted to Br9.1 billion as of 1 March. Taking into account differences in currency exchange rates, the internal state debt went up by Br0.3 billion or 3.8% from the beginning of the year.
In January-February 2020, the Belarusian government sold $123.8 million worth of domestic government bonds nominated in foreign currencies to individuals and corporations and redeemed $154.3 million and Br34.1 million worth of government bonds nominated in foreign and national currencies from corporations and individuals.