Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - The volume of the total external debt of Uzbekistan as of 1 July 2021 made up US$35.9 billion, having increased by 6% or by US$2.0 billion compared to the beginning of 2021. This was reported by the Central Bank of Uzbekistan.

In the first half of 2021, the public sector debt increased by 3% or by US$627.9 million and amounted to US$22.0 billion. 

At the same time, the growth of private sector debt as of 1 July 2021 made up 11% or US$1.4 billion.

In the first half of 2021, the public sector attracted loans totaling US$1.2 billion. The private sector attracted loans totaling US$3.2 billion. 

Borrowing was mainly carried out by banks - US$1.6 billion, including the oil and gas and energy sector attracted US$379.0 million and enterprises of other sectors of the economy - US$1.2 billion.

At the same time, for the first half of 2021, the main reason for the significant growth in the “other sectors” component compared to last year is the issue and placement on the international financial markets of securities of UZAUTO MOTORS JSC with a par value of US$300 million at 4.85 percent for a period of 5 years.

During the period under review, the repayment of the principal debt and interest on the state external debt was carried out in the amount of US$353.4 million and US$206.5 million, respectively.

Payments on private external debt amounted to US$1.6 billion on principal and US$238.8 million on interest.

In the first half of 2021, gross external debt increased by US$2.5 billion, mainly due to operational changes, while revaluation (exchange rate and price changes in financial instruments) and other changes were equal - US$318.5 million and US$47.2 million respectively.

As of 1 July 2021, loans and borrowings predominate in the structure of gross external debt (83% or US$32.4 billion).