The Belarusian authorities are seeking to get a big loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to back the branches hit by the aftereffect of the so-called coronacrisis.
Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Dzmitry Krutoy and EBRD Vice President Alain Pilloux have discussed the issue via video link.
“The first deputy prime minister stressed that Belarus is interested in the EBRD loan of up to $1 billion for large state-owned banks – Belarusbank, Belagroprombank, Belinvestbank, Development Bank, including for small and medium-sized companies from the most affected economic sectors,” news agency BelTA reports with reference to the Belarusian government.
According to Dzmitry Krutoy, there are plans to maintain the limits for the current EBRD clients in Belarus, as well as to expand the mandate for loans to a number of state-run enterprises that found themselves in the crosshairs, e.g. national air carrier Belavia and Belarusian Railways.
The corresponding decision may be taken on a fast-track basis, the sides added.
As reported earlier, Belarus is counting on a loan from the World Bank (€ 90 million) and the European Investment Bank (€ 50 million) to fight against COVID-19. An application for macro-financial assistance was also sent to the European Commission.
On April 16, the number of the people who contracted the coronavirus infection has totalled to 4,204 (+476 over the last day); the death toll has risen to 40.
belsat.eu, via BelTA
