According to the forecasts of economists, the year-end size of Belarus' gross external debt will approach the GDP.
Thus, according to the National Statistics Committee, the GDP rose by 7% to Br216.8 trillion in January-October against the same period last year. However in dollar terms it amounted to only $25 billion. Such a sharp decline in GDP is triggered by the national currency devaluation.
The last officially announced data on the country's external debt showed an increase in external borrowing. So, on July 1, gross external debt (public and private) amounted to $33.1 billion. Experts predict it to grow up to about $35 billion by the end of the year, reports "Nasha Niva".
Experts from the International Monetary Fund suggest that the gross external debt of Belarus in 2011 will go up to 68.3% of GDP against 52.1% of GDP in 2010. According to their estimates, gross external debt will reach 72.5% of GDP in 2012, while in 2016 - 85.6% of GDP. This is stated in the IMF report, following discussions on post-program monitoring of June 2011.
