State support programmes in Belarus may become obstacle for new IMF loan

On July 8^th – 15^th, an IMF evaluation team will work in Belarus in order to assess whether Belarus has applied adequate efforts to reform the economy sufficient to obtain a new loan from the IMF. In view of the measures the state has undertaken to support the economy and the volume of such support, the IMF may decide that the efforts were insufficient and strengthened structural imbalances in the economy, thus requiring the national currency devaluation. Consideration of a new IMF loan programme is likely to be postponed until after the elections. Taking into account the expected debt refinancing by Russia, Belarus requires addition USD 1.5-2 billion. In August 2015, foreign currency bonds may be repaid from foreign exchange reserves and partially from new loans on foreign and domestic market.