Uzbekistan's foreign debt inches up 0.02% to $15.78 bln in H1
TASHKENT. Sept 21 (Interfax) - Uzbekistan's overall foreign debt grew 0.02% or $3.4 million during H1 2018 to $15.78 billion, the Central Bank of Uzbekistan said.
State debt was $8.08 billion and private sector debt was $7.7 billion.
Public debt grew $479.2 million while private sector debt fell $475.8 million. Public debt continued its tendency to rise with new borrowing to finance state projects.
The private sector raised $298.6 million in new loans in H1 2018.
Banks were the biggest borrowers with $176.6 million, of which government-related banks - $110.6 million, followed by textiles enterprises with $24.3 million. Other sectors borrowed $63.9 million.
Principal debt of $686.3 million and $176.6 million interest was paid in H1. The oil, gas and power sectors paid $446.5 million, banking sector - $107.9 million and telecommunications - $103.8 million.
Loans maturing in more than 10 years accounted for 86% of the debt ($13.51 billion) and loans repayable in between five and 10 years for 7% of it ($1.1 billion).