Opinions & Interviews

Belarus’ external state debt 1.3% down in January-February to $16.7bn

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MINSK, 29 March (BelTA) – As of 1 March 2019 Belarus’ external state debt totaled $16.7 billion, down by $200 million or 1.3% from the beginning of 2019 (taking into account differences in currency exchange rates), BelTA learned from the Belarusian Finance Ministry.

In January-February 2019 the Belarusian government borrowed $139.8 million abroad, including $118.3 million from the Russian government and banks, $13.9 million from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), $2.6 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and $5 million from the Export-Import Bank of China.

In January-February 2019 Belarus spent $410.9 million to repay the external state debt, including $209.2 million paid to the Export-Import Bank of China, $194.4 million to the Russian government, and $7.3 million to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

As of 1 March 2019, Belarus’ state debt totaled Br44.3 billion, Br1.1 billion or 2.3% up from the beginning of the year.

The internal state debt amounted to Br8.6 billion as of 1 March. Taking into account differences in currency exchange rates, the internal state debt decreased by Br0.2 billion or 2.7% from the beginning of the year.

In January-February 2019 the Belarusian government sold $14.8 million worth of domestic government bonds nominated in foreign currencies to individuals and corporations and redeemed $84.4 million worth of government bonds nominated in foreign currencies from corporations and individuals.

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