Belarus’ gross external debt grows 3.5% in 2020 to $42.15bn - National Bank

<p> MINSK, Mar 15 - PrimePress. Belarus’ gross external debt increased by 3.5% in 2020 and amounted to $42.15 billion as of January 1, 2021 (70.2% of the gross domestic product, GDP), according to the official data of the National Bank of Belarus (NBB). </p> <p>   </p> <p> On a per capita basis, the gross external debt amounted to $4,490 on January 1, 2021 against $4,330 on January 1, 2020. </p> <p>   </p> <p> The government debt accounts for $18.59 billion (+8.4% compared to January 1, 2020), the National Bank - $821.1 million (minus 17.6%), banks - $5.1 billion (+1.8%), non-financial sector - $15.38 billion (+0.6%). Debt of companies to direct investors in 2020 decreased by 0.5% to $2.25 billion. </p> <p>   </p> <p> Belarus’ net external debt (less debt assets placed outside the country) in 2020 increased by 1% to $22.06 billion as of January 1, 2021. Gross external debt of the public sector in the expanded definition (including local governments) increased by 7.3%, to $27.3 billion (45.5% of GDP). </p> <p>   </p> <p> As of January 1, 2021, international reserves of $7.47 billion covered 17.7% of gross external debt against 23.1% on January 1, 2020. </p> <p>   </p> <p> According to the National Bank, Belarus earmarked $6.58 billion for gross external debt service in 2020 (+3.3% versus 2019). Overdue foreign debt in 2020 decreased by 15.6% and amounted to $611.1 million on January 1, 2021. </p> <p>   </p> <p> Belarus’ GDP in dollar terms declined in January-December 2020 by 7% year on year to $60.05 billion. </p> <p>   </p> <p> In 2019, Belarus’ gross external debt reportedly increased by 3.7% to $40.75 billion (64.5% of GDP). End </p>

2021-03-16

Primepress