MINSK, 28 June (BelTA) – As of 1 June 2019 Belarus' external state debt totaled $16.6 billion, down by $0.3 billion or 1.7% from the beginning of 2019 (taking into account differences in currency exchange rates), BelTA learned from the Belarusian Finance Ministry.
In January-May 2019 the Belarusian government borrowed $326.7 million abroad, including $269.5 million from the Russian government and banks, $36.4 million from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), $13.7 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB), and $7.1 million from the Export-Import Bank of China.
In January-May 2019 Belarus spent $660.5 million to pay off the external state debt, including $286.9 million paid to the Russian government, $247.2 million to the Export-Import Bank of China, $88.3 million to the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization and Development, $36.6 million to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, $0.8 million to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB), and $0.7 million to the U.S. Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC).
As of 1 June 2019, Belarus' state debt totaled Br43.9 billion, Br1.5 billion or 3.3% down from the beginning of the year.
The internal state debt amounted to Br9.1 billion as of 1 June. Taking into account differences in currency exchange rates, the internal state debt increased by Br0.2 billion or 2.2% from the beginning of the year.
In January-May 2019 the Belarusian government sold $500.3 million worth of domestic government bonds nominated in foreign currencies to individuals and corporations and redeemed $157.3 million and Br227.2 million worth of government bonds nominated in foreign currencies and Belarusian rubles from corporations and individuals.