Pavel Kallaur. An archive photo
MINSK, 27 June (BelTA) – The country’s banking system operates steadily. Chairman of the Board of the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus (NBRB) Pavel Kallaur pointed it out after a conference hosted by Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko on 27 June to discuss the functioning of the banking sector, BelTA has learned.
Pavel Kallaur said: “The banking system as a whole is intent on providing support to the real sector of the economy particularly when complicated times are around the corner so that enterprises could more promptly adapt to these new conditions.”
“On the whole, it should be noted that our banks operate steadily. They meet all the requirements, which are supposed to ensure their safe operation. In January-May the credit portfolio of legal persons increased by 10.8%. Long-term loans increased as well,” he continued. “Banks also offered a lot of loans to natural persons. The portfolio of consumer loans increased by 10.7%.”
He also mentioned the importance of the fact that lending in national currency rose by 34% in January-May.
“We observe a very interesting trend when the demand for loans in Belarusian rubles greatly exceeds the demand for loans in foreign currency. It is a new phenomenon in our economy. It indicates that the share of foreign currencies in lending is dropping,” the official said.
Pavel Kallaur also pointed out that the head of state closely monitors the provision of assistance with foreign trade operations of Belarusian enterprises.
