MINSK, 28 January (BelTA) - Belarus' gold reserves rose by 1 tonne in 2018 to total 41.2 tonnes on 1 January 2019, BelTA learned from the website of the National Bank of Belarus.
The gold reserves comprise precious metals in the form of bank bullion bars. They are managed by the country's central bank and are part of the state fund of precious metals and precious stones of Belarus.
“Availability of gold reserves supports the confidence of residents and non-residents of Belarus in the National Bank and the government's ability to meet the financial obligations and to conduct a monetary policy,” the National Bank said.
Precious metals can be sold, exchanged or used in settlements, should such a need arise.
The reserves are kept in the central depository of the National Bank, on accounts and deposits abroad.
